to hell with sb

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#358944 Wed, 02 May 07 05:48 AM

As titled, how to understand the grammar structure of this idiom? Thanks.

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Joined on Mon, Jan 8 2007

Canada

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#358952 Wed, 02 May 07 06:31 AM

You can't. That's why it's an idiom. Think of it as "That person can go to hell." What it really means, though, is "I don't care what that person's opinion is, I'm going to do what I want anyway."

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Joined on Tue, Jan 10 2006

Pennsylvania, USA

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Barbara, who answers in American English.

Idioms

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#359050 Wed, 02 May 07 02:36 PM

So I may also understand it like this: if someone says "to hell with Tomeee," it simply means that guy feels angry about Tomeee, right?

In addition, can I use this idiom in everyday life? Is it a coarse word? Thanks!

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Idioms

Grammar Geek

#359053 Wed, 02 May 07 02:41 PM

He could be angry with Tomeee, or he could have simply decided that Tomeee's opinion doesn't matter.

It's mildly rude, but few people I know are offended by the word "hell." What's more impolite about it is the way you discounting another person or his ideas in a very high-handed manner.

A: Are you ready to go to lunch?
B: Wait, Barbara wanted to come too.
A: Oh, to hell with Barbara. Let's go. I'm hungry now.

Yes, that would be considered quite rude!

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