angel's tears: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Literary, Informal, Specialized (Horticulture)
Quick answer
What does “angel's tears” mean?
A common name for several delicate, pendulous, white-flowered plants, notably certain species of Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis). It poetically refers to the visual impression of small, white, teardrop-shaped flowers hanging from a stalk.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A common name for several delicate, pendulous, white-flowered plants, notably certain species of Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis). It poetically refers to the visual impression of small, white, teardrop-shaped flowers hanging from a stalk.
1. (Literal) A nickname for plants like Convallaria or certain narcissi with hanging white blooms. 2. (Poetic/Literary) A metaphor for pure, sorrowful drops, such as dew, rain, or a drink. 3. (Informal) A name for a cocktail (e.g., gin, blue curaçao).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The plant name is understood in both varieties, though specific regional common names for Convallaria may vary.
Connotations
Identical poetic connotations in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in general use in both regions. Slightly more likely to be encountered in UK gardening contexts due to the prevalence of traditional common plant names.
Grammar
How to Use “angel's tears” in a Sentence
The [garden/woodland] was carpeted with angel's tears.She planted angel's tears along the shady border.Dewdrops looked like angel's tears on the spider's web.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “angel's tears” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The garden had an angel's-tears border along the path.
American English
- She prefers the angel's-tears variety for shady spots.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rare, may appear in literary analysis or botanical texts.
Everyday
Very rare, used when discussing specific garden plants or in poetic description.
Technical
Used as a common name in horticulture and gardening guides.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “angel's tears”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “angel's tears”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “angel's tears”
- Using 'angel tears' (without possessive 's'). While sometimes seen, the standard horticultural name is the possessive form. Treating it as a mass noun for a generic liquid ('the rain was angel's tears' is poetic; 'I wiped away an angel's tear' is atypical).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is one of several common names for Convallaria majalis, though other plants may also share this nickname.
The standard horticultural and dictionary form includes the possessive 's ('angel's tears'). 'Angel tears' is a common informal variant, especially in poetic use.
No, it is a low-frequency term specific to gardening, poetry, or niche contexts like cocktail names.
It's likely the name of a cocktail, often a clear or blue-hued mixed drink, playing on the poetic and delicate imagery of the term.
A common name for several delicate, pendulous, white-flowered plants, notably certain species of Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis). It poetically refers to the visual impression of small, white, teardrop-shaped flowers hanging from a stalk.
Angel's tears is usually literary, informal, specialized (horticulture) in register.
Angel's tears: in British English it is pronounced /ˈeɪn.dʒəlz tɪəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈeɪn.dʒəlz tɪrz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms. The term itself is a metaphorical compound noun.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a small, weeping angel in a garden, and where each tear falls, a tiny, perfect white bell-shaped flower grows.
Conceptual Metaphor
SADNESS/INNOCENCE IS A DELICATE, WHITE FLOWER; PURE EMOTIONS ARE LIQUID (TEARS) THAT BECOME NATURE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'angel's tears' LEAST likely to be used?