Definition

Adverb 1. Used ironically to indicate strong disbelief or contradiction of a previous statement: This usage sarcastically expresses that the speaker thinks something is completely false or will not happen. 2. With extreme intensity, speed, or effort: This usage emphasizes that an action is done very vigorously, quickly, or forcefully.

Usage Examples

• Expressing ironic disbelief:

  • He says he's sorry? Like hell he is! (This means the speaker strongly believes he is not sorry at all.)
  • "I'll pay you back tomorrow." "Yeah, like hell you will." (This expresses certainty that the person will not pay back the money.)

• Emphasizing intensity or effort:

  • She ran like hell to catch the bus. (This means she ran extremely fast.)
  • We worked like hell to finish the project on time. (This means we worked with immense effort.)

Advanced Usage Notes

• The phrase is informal and can be considered mildly vulgar or emphatic. Its appropriateness depends heavily on context.
• In the first sense (ironic disbelief), the phrase often directly follows or precedes the statement it contradicts, acting as a standalone interjection or a modifying clause.
• In the second sense (emphasizing intensity), it functions as a standard adverb of manner, typically following a verb.

Variants and Related Words

• Like crazy (adv.): With great energy, speed, or intensity. (e.g., )
• Like mad (adv.): With great force or enthusiasm. (e.g., )
• Like the devil (adv.): With great speed or force. (e.g., )

Synonyms

• For the ironic sense: Not a chance, no way, absolutely not (when used as a rebuttal).
• For the intensity sense: Extremely, intensely, furiously, vigorously, with all one's might.

Related Idioms

• Work/run/fight like hell: A common idiomatic pattern emphasizing extreme effort in a specific action.
  • He fought like hell to win the match.
• As hell: A separate but related intensifier, often following an adjective (e.g., ), whereas "like hell" typically follows a verb.

Adverb

1. used ironically to indicate the opposite of what is stated
   • says he'll help me? Like hell he will!
2. with great speed or effort or intensity
   • drove like crazy
   • worked like hell to get the job done
   • ran like sin for the storm cellar
   • work like thunder
   • fought like the devil