tear-jerking scene

Meaning

This expression refers to a highly emotional, sad, or sentimental moment in a movie, play, or book that is designed to make the audience cry. It is often used to describe dramatic high points, like a tragic farewell, a character's death, or a heartwarming reunion.

Examples

• The movie's ending features a tear-jerking scene where the two main characters finally say goodbye.

  The movie's ending features a tear-jerking scene where the two main characters finally say goodbye.

• I had to grab a tissue during that tear-jerking scene with the dog.

  I had to grab a tissue during that tear-jerking scene with the dog.

• While some found the reunion a tear-jerking scene, others thought it was way too melodramatic.

  While some found the reunion a tear-jerking scene, others thought it was way too melodramatic.

• The director is famous for inserting at least one tear-jerking scene into every drama he makes.

  The director is famous for inserting at least one tear-jerking scene into every drama he makes.

• Even my brother, who never cries at movies, was moved by that tear-jerking scene.

  Even my brother, who never cries at movies, was moved by that tear-jerking scene.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ It was a tear-jerked scene.

  ✓ It was a tear-jerking scene.

  The adjective is 'tear-jerking' (active participle causing tears), not 'tear-jerked'.

• ✗ The movie had a tear-jerker scene.

  ✓ The movie had a tear-jerking scene.

  'Tear-jerker' is a noun referring to the whole movie or book. To describe a specific scene, use the adjective 'tear-jerking'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I always cry during the ___ where the main character reunites with her family.

  💡 A sad or emotional part of a film that makes you cry.

  Show answer

  tear-jerking scene

• Avoid that movie if you aren't in the mood for a heavy, ___.

  💡 An emotional, cry-inducing sequence.

  Show answer

  tear-jerking scene