turn on the waterworks
phrase
informal
: to start crying especially in order to get sympathy from someone
kids who turn on the waterworks when they want attention
Cite this Entry
“Turn on the waterworks.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turn%20on%20the%20waterworks. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
