"Turned waterworks" is a phrase used to describe someone who has started uncontrollably crying. The spelling of this phrase is straightforward: "turned" is spelled t-uh-r-n-d, and "waterworks" is spelled w-aw-t-er-w-er-k-s. The IPA phonetic transcription of "turned" is /tɜːnd/, while "waterworks" is /ˈwɔːtəwɜːks/. The phrase likely comes from the idea of a faucet being turned on and water flowing uncontrollably, just like tears from someone who is overcome by emotion.
The term "turned waterworks" refers to a situation where someone suddenly bursts into tears, typically in an emotional or vulnerable moment. The phrase is often used to describe a sudden and uncontrollable outpouring of tears.
In more literal terms, "turned waterworks" can be seen as a metaphorical representation of a burst pipe or water valve suddenly releasing an excessive amount of water. Similar to the forceful and uncontrolled surge of water from a broken pipe, "turned waterworks" signifies an overwhelming gush of tears, usually without warning.
The phrase is commonly used to describe situations where someone becomes highly emotional, unable to hold back their tears. It suggests a sudden, intense display of strong emotions such as sadness, grief, disappointment, or even joy. When someone experiences "turned waterworks," their tears flow freely and abundantly, often accompanied by sobbing or crying.
Furthermore, "turned waterworks" can also imply that the person's emotional reactions are exaggerated or overblown. It suggests that the individual's emotional response is out of proportion to the situation at hand, leading to an intense and dramatic display of tears.
Overall, "turned waterworks" refers to a sudden, intense, and uncontrollable eruption of tears, often coming from a place of deep emotional vulnerability or overwhelming sentiment.