Meaning of an English sentence

[vy311]

I would like to know what this sentence means?

"He came to Australia with a smile, and will leave Australia in tears."

Thank you very much.

A learner of English.

[Quizmonster]

There are three possibilities...
a) He arrived in Australia as happy man and he will leave it as a sad man.
b) He arrived in Australia as a happy man and - when he leaves - Australians will be sad.
c) He arrived in Australia as a happy man and - when he leaves - Australians will be happy.
The reason for the difference between (b) and (c) is that the phrase "in tears" might refer to tears of grief or tears of laughter.

[Quizmonster]

I should, of course, have said "four possibilities", because he might have left crying tears of laughter!

[ugly_bob]

although it doesn't necassarily imply that he will be leaving.

If he 'leaves Australia in tears', he may just cause them some upset.