The phrase "turns on waterworks" is commonly used to describe someone who starts to cry. In terms of spelling, "turns" is transcribed as /tɜːnz/ and "on" as /ɒn/, both using British English IPA symbols. "Waterworks" is more complex, with the first syllable pronounced as /ˈwɔːtə/, the second as /wɜːks/, and the stress on the first syllable. It is also interesting to note that "waterworks" is a compound word, meaning it is made up of two separate words that have been combined for a new meaning.
The phrase "turns on waterworks" is an idiomatic expression used to describe someone who suddenly starts crying or sobbing, usually in an exaggerated and dramatic manner. It is derived from the metaphorical comparison of tears to flowing water, depicting the sudden and dramatic rush of emotions that causes a person to cry profusely.
This phrase is often used to describe situations where a person becomes emotionally overwhelmed, intentionally or unintentionally, resulting in tears. It implies that the individual is putting on a show or exaggerating their emotional distress for attention, sympathy, or manipulation. The theatrical aspect implies that the tears are not genuine or authentic but rather a display meant to achieve a desired outcome.
The term "turns on waterworks" can be used to describe both adults or children who cry excessively or readily in an overly dramatic manner. It is commonly used in informal and conversational contexts to express frustration, annoyance, or disbelief towards someone's insincere emotional display.
The figurative use of "turns on waterworks" works as a metaphorical description of someone suddenly activating the release of tears, typically for their own advantage or to evoke a specific reaction from others. In essence, it signifies a calculated act to provoke a sympathetic response through an artificial display of emotion.