hell of a someone/something
hell of a (person or thing)
1. Quite good or impressive. That was one hell of a party you threw for Kelly. Everyone said they had such a great time. He's a hell of a ballplayer. I wouldn't be surprised if he made it to the pros someday.
2. Very difficult. I had a hell of a time trying to change the flat tire. The lug nuts didn't want to budge.
3. Bad or negative. Did she really hang up on me? That's a hell of a response to an innocent question!
See also: hell, of
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
hell of a someone/something
and helluva someone/something1. n. a very bad person or thing. (Use caution with hell.) That’s a hell of a way to treat someone.
2. n. a very good person or thing. (Use caution with hell.) He is one helluva guy. We really like him.
See also: hell, of, someone, something
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
- a hell of a
- hell of a
- hell of a (person or thing)
- be hell on
- be hell on (one)
- hell and high water
- would see (someone) in hell before (one) would (do something)
- see (one) in hell before (doing something)
- be hell on wheels
- hell of a lot of (something)