Crying is a deeply human experience that can be triggered by a variety of emotions. Whether it’s the overwhelming feeling of joy, sorrow, or frustration, crying connects us to our emotions and to each other.
In language, we often use idioms to express these feelings in a more colorful and relatable way. Idioms for crying convey not just the act of shedding tears but also the emotional depth and circumstances behind it.
By understanding these idiomatic expressions, we can better communicate our emotional states with empathy and warmth. In this article, we will explore 20 unique idioms for crying, providing examples, definitions, and explanations that help readers express their feelings thoughtfully.
What Is an Idiom for Crying?
An idiom for crying is a figurative expression used to convey the emotional experience of crying or a situation that causes tears. These idioms don’t necessarily refer to crying literally but instead describe a deep emotional state.
They are used to help individuals communicate their emotions more vividly and effectively, offering a way to share feelings in a way that resonates with others.
List of Idioms for Crying
- Cry Over Spilled Milk
- Cry Your Eyes Out
- Have a Cry
- Cry a River
- Burst into Tears
- Tear Up
- Cry Wolf
- Crying in One’s Beer
- Cry on Someone’s Shoulder
- Cry Over a Lost Cause
- Bawl One’s Eyes Out
- Cry Foul
- Cry Blue Murder
- Cry in Your Beer
- Cry for the Moon
- Cry the Blues
- Cry Like a Baby
- Cry Out for Help
- Cry to the Heavens
- Cry for Joy
1. Cry Over Spilled Milk
This idiom refers to mourning or regretting something that has already happened and cannot be undone.
Definition: To waste time worrying about something that can’t be changed.
In Sentence: “It’s no use crying over spilled milk; we just need to fix the problem.”
Example: After the argument, she was upset for hours, but then she remembered not to cry over spilled milk.
Explanation: This expression encourages moving on and not dwelling on past mistakes or accidents that cannot be undone.
Other Ways to Say:
- Don’t cry over the past.
- What’s done is done.
- Don’t weep over what’s lost.
- No use in regretting the past.
- Stop mourning what can’t be changed.
2. Cry Your Eyes Out
Used to describe someone crying very intensely or for an extended period.
Definition: To cry heavily, usually due to a deep emotional experience.
In Sentence: “She cried her eyes out after hearing the sad news.”
Example: He cried his eyes out when he saw the farewell message from his best friend.
Explanation: This idiom emphasizes the depth of the emotional response, indicating an overwhelming outpouring of tears.
Other Ways to Say:
- Weep uncontrollably.
- Sob for hours.
- Shed endless tears.
- Cry non-stop.
- Break down in tears.
3. Have a Cry
This idiom is a way of expressing the act of crying to release pent-up emotions.
Definition: To cry, often in a moment of sadness or frustration.
In Sentence: “It’s okay to have a cry; sometimes, it helps to let it all out.”
Example: After a long day, she just needed to have a cry to feel better.
Explanation: This expression suggests that it’s healthy to cry when necessary, acknowledging emotional release as a natural part of the human experience.
Other Ways to Say:
- Let out your tears.
- Release your emotions.
- Take a moment to cry.
- Shed a tear or two.
- Let the tears flow.
4. Cry a River
This idiom describes crying so much that it metaphorically forms a river of tears.
Definition: To cry excessively, often to the point of exaggeration.
In Sentence: “He cried a river when he found out he was moving away.”
Example: After the breakup, she cried a river, overwhelmed by sadness.
Explanation: This expression is used to show the intensity and volume of tears someone sheds, often in response to deep sorrow.
Other Ways to Say:
- Shed an ocean of tears.
- Weep a waterfall.
- Cry uncontrollably.
- Sob endlessly.
- Let out an endless stream of tears.
5. Burst into Tears
This idiom describes suddenly starting to cry, often due to a strong emotional trigger.
Definition: To start crying abruptly and unexpectedly.
In Sentence: “When she heard the news, she just burst into tears.”
Example: He burst into tears when he realized how much his friends cared about him.
Explanation: This phrase highlights the sudden onset of crying, usually in response to emotional events or overwhelming feelings.
Other Ways to Say:
- Break down in tears.
- Cry unexpectedly.
- Start sobbing immediately.
- Be overcome with emotion.
- Let the tears pour out.
6. Tear Up
This idiom refers to the action of having tears welling up in your eyes, often before you actually cry.
Definition: To begin to cry or feel emotional, causing tears to form in your eyes.
In Sentence: “The movie was so touching it made me tear up.”
Example: As she read the heartfelt letter, she started to tear up.
Explanation: This expression suggests a build-up of emotion, where the tears may not yet fall, but the emotional impact is undeniable.
Other Ways to Say:
- Get misty-eyed.
- Get emotional.
- Start to cry.
- Feel the tears coming.
- Get choked up.
7. Cry Wolf
This idiom is often used in situations where someone cries out for help or attention, but it’s not needed.
Definition: To falsely claim that something is wrong, leading people to stop believing you when it actually is.
In Sentence: “After crying wolf so many times, no one believed her when she was really in danger.”
Example: He cried wolf about his car breaking down, and now no one listens when he really needs help.
Explanation: This phrase comes from a fable and warns against exaggerating or making false claims, as it can cause others to ignore genuine issues.
Other Ways to Say:
- Sound the false alarm.
- Cry for attention.
- Make a false claim.
- Raise a fake alarm.
- Pretend there’s a problem.
8. Crying in One’s Beer
This idiom refers to someone wallowing in their sorrows, often in a self-pitying manner.
Definition: To be sad or upset, especially when indulging in alcohol or lamenting one’s misfortunes.
In Sentence: “He was crying in his beer after the loss of his job.”
Example: Instead of dealing with his problems, he was crying in his beer all night.
Explanation: This expression paints a picture of someone drowning their sorrows in a drink, a metaphor for self-indulgent sadness.
Other Ways to Say:
- Mourn in self-pity.
- Drown in sorrow.
- Wallow in sadness.
- Lament over losses.
- Sob in solitude.
9. Cry on Someone’s Shoulder
This idiom describes seeking comfort from someone during a tough emotional time.
Definition: To cry in front of someone and lean on them for emotional support.
In Sentence: “After the breakup, she needed to cry on her best friend’s shoulder.”
Example: He found solace in crying on his mother’s shoulder after the death of his pet.
Explanation: This phrase emphasizes the emotional release and comfort one can gain by sharing their feelings with someone close.
Other Ways to Say:
- Seek comfort in someone.
- Cry for support.
- Share your tears.
- Lean on a friend.
- Find solace in another.
10. Cry Over a Lost Cause
This idiom refers to putting effort into something that cannot be changed or saved.
Definition: To waste emotions on a hopeless situation.
In Sentence: “Trying to save that old car is crying over a lost cause.”
Example: She was crying over a lost cause when she tried to revive the relationship that was clearly over.
Explanation: This expression suggests that emotions are being spent on something that has no chance of success or recovery.
Other Ways to Say:
- Wasting tears on nothing.
- Invest in a hopeless endeavor.
- Cry for the impossible.
- Regret something irreparable.
- Lament an unchangeable fate.
11. Bawl One’s Eyes Out
This idiom is used to describe someone who is crying loudly and uncontrollably, often in an exaggerated manner.
Definition: To cry intensely and noisily, usually as an emotional release.
In Sentence: “She bawled her eyes out after hearing the heartbreaking news about her childhood friend.”
Example: After the movie ended, he bawled his eyes out, overwhelmed by the touching storyline.
Explanation: This idiom emphasizes the loud and dramatic nature of crying, indicating a moment of emotional excess or deep sorrow.
Other Ways to Say:
- Sob uncontrollably.
- Wail loudly.
- Cry without restraint.
- Weep at the top of one’s lungs.
- Shed a torrent of tears.
12. Cry Foul
This idiom refers to someone crying or complaining when they feel something is unfair or wrong.
Definition: To protest or complain, especially about something perceived as unjust.
In Sentence: “He always cries foul when the rules aren’t in his favor.”
Example: After losing the game, she cried foul, claiming the referee made unfair decisions.
Explanation: This idiom suggests an emotional reaction to a perceived injustice, often exaggerating the severity of the situation.
Other Ways to Say:
- Complain bitterly.
- Protest against unfairness.
- Raise a stink.
- Make a scene over an injustice.
- Whine about unfair treatment.
13. Cry Blue Murder
This idiom describes someone who is making an exaggerated, loud, and dramatic outcry.
Definition: To cry out loudly and in an exaggerated manner, usually in protest or distress.
In Sentence: “He cried blue murder when he lost his favorite pen.”
Example: She cried blue murder when she found out her phone had been damaged beyond repair.
Explanation: This expression is often used to describe someone who is overreacting to a situation, making a huge fuss out of something relatively minor.
Other Ways to Say:
- Make a big fuss.
- Scream bloody murder.
- Create a scene.
- Raise a ruckus.
- Make an uproar.
14. Cry in Your Beer
This idiom refers to someone who is drinking alcohol while lamenting their troubles or sorrow.
Definition: To express sadness or sorrow, often while drinking.
In Sentence: “After the tough breakup, he spent the evening crying in his beer.”
Example: She cried in her beer, reflecting on the mistakes she made in the relationship.
Explanation: This expression illustrates a situation where someone drowns their emotions in alcohol, wallowing in their sorrow.
Other Ways to Say:
- Drown your sorrows.
- Wallow in self-pity.
- Mourn over a drink.
- Drink away your troubles.
- Indulge in emotional drinking.
15. Cry for the Moon
This idiom refers to wishing for something unattainable, often using crying as a metaphor for longing.
Definition: To desire something that is impossible or highly unlikely to happen.
In Sentence: “Hoping for a perfect world is like crying for the moon.”
Example: She was crying for the moon, hoping that her impossible dream of fame would come true.
Explanation: This idiom emphasizes unrealistic expectations or desires, often highlighting the futility of striving for something beyond reach.
Other Ways to Say:
- Reach for the stars.
- Chasing an impossible dream.
- Wanting the unattainable.
- Wishing for the impossible.
- Aiming for something beyond reach.
16. Cry the Blues
This idiom refers to feeling sad or melancholic, often linked to expressing sorrow.
Definition: To feel down or depressed, often expressing those emotions through crying.
In Sentence: “After the tough year at work, he started crying the blues.”
Example: She cried the blues all night after losing her job and feeling uncertain about her future.
Explanation: This idiom suggests a sense of ongoing sadness, with “blues” symbolizing a state of melancholy or sorrow.
Other Ways to Say:
- Feel down in the dumps.
- Suffer from the blues.
- Be in low spirits.
- Mourn deeply.
- Experience deep sorrow.
17. Cry Like a Baby
This idiom is used to describe someone crying in an exaggerated, childlike, or emotional manner.
Definition: To cry loudly and uncontrollably, like a child.
In Sentence: “He cried like a baby after losing his favorite game.”
Example: She cried like a baby when her childhood pet passed away.
Explanation: This phrase highlights the intensity and vulnerability of crying, often used to express a raw, unfiltered emotional reaction.
Other Ways to Say:
- Weep like a child.
- Sob uncontrollably.
- Break down in tears.
- Shed tears like a little one.
- Cry in a childlike manner.
18. Cry Out for Help
This idiom is used when someone is in dire need of assistance and is figuratively or literally crying to attract attention.
Definition: To express a desperate need for help, often emotionally or physically.
In Sentence: “The stranded hiker cried out for help when he couldn’t find his way back.”
Example: She cried out for help after the sudden accident, needing urgent medical attention.
Explanation: This phrase signifies a strong emotional or physical plea for assistance, often from a place of distress or vulnerability.
Other Ways to Say:
- Plead for assistance.
- Beg for help.
- Call for aid.
- Reach out in desperation.
- Ask for support.
19. Cry to the Heavens
This idiom is used when someone is expressing extreme distress or frustration, often in a prayer-like or exaggerated manner.
Definition: To cry out in despair or frustration, often in a dramatic or over-the-top way.
In Sentence: “He cried to the heavens, asking for a miracle after his world fell apart.”
Example: She cried to the heavens, feeling as though no one could help her with her grief.
Explanation: This phrase illustrates an emotional plea for relief, emphasizing the intensity of the emotional experience.
Other Ways to Say:
- Scream for mercy.
- Cry for divine intervention.
- Call out for rescue.
- Plead with the universe.
- Exclaim in desperation.
20. Cry for Joy
This idiom refers to crying because of overwhelming happiness or relief.
Definition: To shed tears as a result of extreme happiness or joy.
In Sentence: “She cried for joy when she received the good news about her promotion.”
Example: He cried for joy when he reunited with his long-lost family.
Explanation: This phrase shows that crying isn’t always about sadness—it can also be a response to deep happiness or relief.
Other Ways to Say:
- Shed tears of happiness.
- Cry with joy.
- Weep with happiness.
- Tear up with excitement.
- Cry tears of bliss.
Final Thoughts
Crying is a powerful way to communicate emotions, and idioms help us express those emotions in a more vivid and relatable manner. From moments of overwhelming sadness to bursts of joy, these idioms allow us to articulate our feelings with warmth and understanding.
They not only help convey our emotional states but also connect us to the human experience of vulnerability, empathy, and emotional expression.
FAQs
- What does it mean to “cry over spilled milk”? It refers to lamenting something that cannot be changed or undone, emphasizing the futility of dwelling on past mistakes.
- How can crying be an expression of joy? Crying isn’t always linked to sadness—sometimes it’s a physical manifestation of overwhelming happiness or relief.
- What is the meaning of “cry wolf”? “Cry wolf” means to raise a false alarm, leading people to stop believing you when there’s an actual problem.
- Is “crying like a baby” a negative expression? Not necessarily. It can be used to describe emotional vulnerability, but it may also suggest exaggeration or an unreasonably dramatic response.
- Can crying be a sign of strength? Absolutely. Crying is a natural emotional release and can be a sign of self-awareness, healing, and emotional strength.
Emma Rose is the creator and writer behind Grammer Guru, a platform dedicated to enhancing grammar, writing, and communication skills. With a passion for language and a knack for breaking down complex rules into simple, practical advice, Emma helps writers, students, and professionals refine their skills with confidence.
