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THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE

Go through the roof

Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.

01 / UNDERSTAND

Meaning in plain English

To rise to a very high level.

02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT

The expression in a sentence

  1. Demand went through the roof after the café appeared in the local programme.

03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Quick idiom quiz

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Can you recall the expression?

Which expression from this lesson matches this meaning?

To rise to a very high level.
Show the answer

Go through the roof — To rise to a very high level.

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Make it yours

Write one sentence using “Go through the roof” about your own life.

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Does your sentence match this meaning?

To rise to a very high level.

Compare: Demand went through the roof after the café appeared in the local programme.

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GO DEEPER

More ways to understand and use it

When to use it

Use it emphatically for a large increase in prices, demand or another measurable amount. It suits conversation and general reporting.

More examples in context

  • Our printing costs could go through the roof if we use full-colour pages throughout.
  • Ticket enquiries went through the roof when the extra performance was announced.

Usage note

It can also mean become very angry when the subject is a person: “He went through the roof.” Context separates the increase and anger meanings.

A short conversation

A: Why do we need another booking assistant?
B: Enquiries have gone through the roof since registration opened.
A: I will see who can help this week.

One more practice question

What does “Demand has gone through the roof” mean?

A. Demand has risen to a very high level.
B. Demand has disappeared completely.

Check your answer

A. With demand as the subject, the idiom describes a large increase.

Related lessons

Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.

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