hell of a
Idioms-
Also, one hell of a
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See devil of a .
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This phrase is used as an intensive to emphasize certain qualities about the noun it modifies. By itself the idiom is ambiguous, for its exact meaning depends on the context. For example, He is a hell of a driver can mean either that he is very skillful or that he is a terrible driver. Similarly, We had one hell of a time can mean either that we enjoyed ourselves greatly or that we had an awful or difficult time. [Second half of 1700s]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Forbes’ top editor was fired over one hell of a gift.
From Slate ● Aug. 15, 2026
"It was a hell of a scene... thick smoke and just something I've never seen before," he said.
From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026
Still, this is one hell of a dumpling.
From Salon ● Aug. 9, 2026
“It’s a hell of a milestone,” said Jack Schmidt, director of Utah State University’s Center for Colorado River Studies.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 2026
“What a confounded nuisance,” said Maxim, “that cupid is worth a hell of a lot. How I loathe servants’ rows too.
From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
