Idioms add color and depth to the English language, allowing us to express complex emotions and ideas in creative and memorable ways. When it comes to expressing sadness and crying, there’s a rich variety of idioms that go beyond simply saying “I’m sad.” Understanding these idioms not only enhances your comprehension of English but also enables you to communicate more expressively and connect with native speakers on a deeper level.
This article is designed for English language learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced students, who want to expand their vocabulary and improve their fluency by mastering idioms related to crying.
This comprehensive guide will explore the definitions, structures, and usage of various idioms related to crying, providing numerous examples and practice exercises to solidify your understanding. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to recognize and confidently use these idioms in your everyday conversations and writing.
Table of Contents
- Definition of Idioms for Crying
- Structural Breakdown of Crying Idioms
- Types and Categories of Crying Idioms
- Examples of Idioms for Crying
- Usage Rules for Crying Idioms
- Common Mistakes with Crying Idioms
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics in Crying Idioms
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Definition of Idioms for Crying
An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the literal meanings of its individual words. Instead, an idiom’s meaning is figurative and culturally specific. Idioms related to crying are phrases that describe the act of crying, the intensity of sadness, or the reasons behind tears in a non-literal way. These idioms add nuance and color to your language, making your communication more engaging and expressive.
Understanding idioms for crying involves recognizing the figurative meaning behind the words and knowing the specific contexts in which they are appropriately used. These idioms can be classified based on the intensity of the emotion they convey, the reason for the tears, or the physical act of crying itself.
Structural Breakdown of Crying Idioms
Crying idioms can take various structural forms, often involving metaphors and similes. Some common structural elements include:
- Verbal Phrases: These consist of a verb and one or more additional words, such as “cry one’s heart out” or “weep buckets.”
- Nominal Phrases: These use nouns to represent crying or sadness, such as “a flood of tears” or “a good cry.”
- Figurative Language: Many idioms employ metaphors (e.g., “break down”) or similes (e.g., “cry like a baby”) to create vivid imagery.
The structure of an idiom is fixed, meaning you cannot typically change the words or their order without altering the meaning or making the phrase nonsensical. For example, “cry one’s heart out” cannot be changed to “cry one’s heart in” without losing its intended meaning.
Types and Categories of Crying Idioms
Crying idioms can be categorized based on different aspects of the emotional experience they describe.
Intensity of Crying
These idioms describe how much or how intensely someone is crying.
- Mild Crying: Expressing a small amount of sadness or shedding a few tears.
- Intense Crying: Describing uncontrollable sobbing or extreme grief.
Reasons for Crying
These idioms relate to the causes or motivations behind crying.
- Out of Sadness: Crying due to feeling unhappy or sorrowful.
- Out of Happiness: Crying because of joy or overwhelming positive emotions.
- Out of Frustration: Crying due to feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope.
Physical Act of Crying
These idioms focus on the physical actions associated with crying.
- Shedding Tears: The act of producing tears.
- Sobbing: Crying with convulsive gasps.
- Weeping: Crying silently or softly.
Examples of Idioms for Crying
Here are numerous examples of idioms related to crying, categorized for clarity.
Idioms Describing the Intensity of Crying
The following table provides idioms that describe the intensity of crying, ranging from mild to extreme.
| Idiom | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Shed a tear | To cry a little, usually due to sadness or sentimentality. | He shed a tear during the emotional movie scene. |
| Cry a little | To weep in a soft and quiet manner. | She cried a little when she heard the news. |
| Have a good cry | To cry freely and openly, often as a way to release emotions. | After the argument, she needed to have a good cry. |
| Cry one’s eyes out | To cry intensely and for a long time. | She cried her eyes out when her pet died. |
| Cry one’s heart out | To cry with great emotion and sorrow. | He cried his heart out after losing the competition. |
| Weep buckets | To cry a lot; to shed many tears. | She wept buckets during the sad movie. |
| Cry a river | To cry a lot; to shed many tears (similar to “weep buckets”). | If you watch that movie, you’ll cry a river. |
| Tears well up | Tears start to form in the eyes. | Tears welled up in her eyes as she listened to the story. |
| Break down | To lose emotional control and start crying. | He broke down when he heard the tragic news. |
| Burst into tears | To suddenly start crying. | She burst into tears when she received the surprise gift. |
| Be on the verge of tears | To be close to crying. | She was on the verge of tears during the difficult conversation. |
| Tears stream down one’s face | Tears flow continuously down the face. | Tears streamed down her face as she recounted the story. |
| Tears sting one’s eyes | Tears cause a burning sensation in the eyes. | Her tears stung her eyes as she sobbed uncontrollably. |
| Choke back tears | To try to stop oneself from crying. | He tried to choke back tears during the funeral. |
| Hold back tears | To restrain oneself from crying. | She held back tears during the difficult meeting. |
| Fight back tears | To struggle to prevent oneself from crying. | He had to fight back tears when he said goodbye. |
| Wipe away tears | To remove tears from one’s face with a hand or tissue. | She wiped away her tears and tried to smile. |
| Brush away tears | To lightly remove tears from one’s face. | He brushed away the tears as he tried to compose himself. |
| Bawl one’s eyes out | To cry loudly and uncontrollably. | The child bawled his eyes out when he fell and scraped his knee. |
| Sob uncontrollably | To cry with convulsive gasps and without being able to stop. | She sobbed uncontrollably after receiving the bad news. |
| Dissolve into tears | To gradually start crying and become overwhelmed by sadness. | She dissolved into tears as she remembered the past. |
| Be reduced to tears | To be brought to a state of crying due to strong emotion. | The criticism reduced her to tears. |
| Have a lump in one’s throat | To feel a tightness in the throat, often indicating suppressed emotion or impending tears. | He had a lump in his throat as he spoke about his childhood. |
| Tears prick one’s eyes | To feel a sharp sensation in the eyes as tears begin to form. | Tears pricked her eyes when she heard the sentimental song. |
Idioms Describing the Reasons for Crying
The following table lists idioms that indicate the reasons why someone might be crying, whether from sadness, happiness, or frustration.
| Idiom | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Cry for joy | To cry because of happiness. | She cried for joy when she heard she got the job. |
| Tears of joy | Tears shed due to happiness. | There were tears of joy at the wedding. |
| Cry with relief | To cry because of the release of stress or worry. | He cried with relief when he found out his family was safe. |
| Cry out of frustration | To cry because of feeling overwhelmed or annoyed. | She cried out of frustration when she couldn’t solve the problem. |
| Cry over spilt milk | To be upset about something that has already happened and cannot be changed. | There’s no use crying over spilt milk; we need to find a solution. |
| Cry wolf | To raise a false alarm; to pretend to be in distress. | He’s cried wolf so many times that no one believes him anymore. |
| Cry blue murder | To complain loudly and vehemently, often about something minor. | The child cried blue murder when his toy was taken away. |
| Cry on someone’s shoulder | To seek comfort from someone by sharing one’s troubles and crying. | She needed to cry on someone’s shoulder after the breakup. |
| Tears of gratitude | Tears shed out of thankfulness. | She had tears of gratitude when they helped her out. |
| Cry yourself to sleep | To cry until one falls asleep. | She often cried herself to sleep after a long day. |
| Cry in vain | To cry without achieving any desired result or sympathy. | He cried in vain, as no one listened to his pleas. |
| Cry buckets of tears | To cry a large amount due to a sad or emotional situation. | She cried buckets of tears during the tragic movie scene. |
| Cry salty tears | To shed tears that are emotionally charged and painful. | She cried salty tears as she reflected on the past. |
| Cry bitter tears | To cry with a sense of deep sorrow and resentment. | He cried bitter tears after realizing his mistake. |
| Cry crocodile tears | To pretend to be sad or remorseful, often insincerely. | He was crying crocodile tears to gain sympathy. |
| Cry for the moon | To ask for something unattainable or impossible. | He’s crying for the moon if he thinks he’ll get that promotion. |
| Cry one’s eyes dry | To cry until one has no more tears left. | She cried her eyes dry after the devastating news. |
| Cry for mercy | To plead for compassion or leniency. | The prisoner cried for mercy, but the judge showed no sympathy. |
| Cry for help | To express distress or a need for assistance. | His silence was a cry for help, but no one noticed. |
| Cry with laughter | To laugh so much that tears come to one’s eyes. | The joke was so funny that we cried with laughter. |
| Cry tears of anger | To cry because of feeling angry or enraged. | She cried tears of anger when she learned about the betrayal. |
| Cry tears of frustration | To cry because of feeling annoyed or helpless. | He cried tears of frustration when he couldn’t fix the problem. |
| Cry tears of despair | To cry because of feeling hopeless or deeply discouraged. | She cried tears of despair after losing everything. |
| Cry tears of regret | To cry because of feeling sorry about something one has done. | He cried tears of regret for his past mistakes. |
Idioms Describing the Physical Act of Crying
The following table presents idioms that focus on the physical actions associated with crying, such as shedding tears, sobbing, or weeping.
| Idiom | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Shed tears | To produce tears. | She shed tears during the sad movie. |
| Wipe tears | To remove tears from one’s face. | He wiped his tears and tried to smile. |
| Brush away tears | To lightly remove tears from one’s face. | She brushed away the tears as she tried to compose herself. |
| Choke back tears | To try to stop oneself from crying. | He choked back tears during the funeral. |
| Hold back tears | To restrain oneself from crying. | She held back tears during the difficult meeting. |
| Fight back tears | To struggle to prevent oneself from crying. | He had to fight back tears when he said goodbye. |
| Sob quietly | To cry with soft, convulsive gasps. | She sobbed quietly in the corner of the room. |
| Sob uncontrollably | To cry with convulsive gasps and without being able to stop. | He sobbed uncontrollably after receiving the bad news. |
| Weep silently | To cry without making any noise. | She wept silently as she read the letter. |
| Weep openly | To cry without trying to hide one’s tears. | He wept openly during the emotional ceremony. |
| Tears rolling down one’s cheeks | Tears flowing continuously down the face. | Tears were rolling down her cheeks as she recounted the story. |
| Tears welling up in one’s eyes | Tears starting to form in the eyes. | Tears were welling up in his eyes as he listened to the speech. |
| Tears streaming down one’s face | Tears flowing continuously down the face. | Tears were streaming down her face as she watched the movie. |
| Buried one’s face in one’s hands | To hide one’s face in one’s hands while crying. | She buried her face in her hands and sobbed. |
| Hide one’s face | To conceal one’s face, often while crying or feeling ashamed. | He hid his face so no one would see him crying. |
| Bury one’s head in a pillow | To hide one’s head in a pillow while crying. | She buried her head in a pillow to muffle her sobs. |
| Sniffle | To repeatedly inhale through the nose, often due to crying or having a cold. | He tried to stop crying, but he couldn’t stop sniffling. |
| Blubber | To cry noisily and uncontrollably. | The child blubbered when he didn’t get the toy he wanted. |
| Shed crocodile tears | To pretend to cry or show sorrow insincerely. | He was just shedding crocodile tears to get out of trouble. |
| Tears prick one’s eyes | To feel a sharp sensation in the eyes as tears begin to form. | Tears pricked her eyes when she heard the sentimental song. |
Usage Rules for Crying Idioms
Using idioms correctly requires understanding their specific meanings and contexts. Here are some general rules to follow:
- Context Matters: Consider the situation and the emotions you want to convey. Choose an idiom that accurately reflects the intensity and reason for the crying.
- Audience Awareness: Be mindful of your audience. Some idioms may be more appropriate for informal settings than formal ones.
- Figurative vs. Literal: Remember that idioms are figurative expressions. Avoid interpreting them literally.
- Fixed Structure: Do not alter the structure of the idiom. The words and their order are usually fixed.
For example, saying “She cried a river” is appropriate when describing someone who cried a lot, but it wouldn’t be suitable for a formal business presentation. Similarly, “crocodile tears” should only be used when someone is pretending to be sad.
Common Mistakes with Crying Idioms
Here are some common mistakes learners make when using idioms related to crying:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| She cried her eyes in. | She cried her eyes out. | “Cry one’s eyes out” is the correct idiom. |
| He wept containers. | He wept buckets. | “Weep buckets” is the established idiom for crying a lot. |
| Don’t be sad over spilled milk. | Don’t cry over spilt milk. | The correct idiom is “cry over spilt milk.” |
| He is crying a tiger. | He is crying wolf. | The correct idiom is “cry wolf,” meaning to raise a false alarm. |
| She had tears of angry. | She had tears of anger. | The correct phrase is “tears of anger,” not “tears of angry.” |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of idioms for crying with these exercises.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following sentences using the appropriate idiom from the list below.
Idiom List: cry one’s heart out, cry over spilt milk, cry wolf, tears of joy, choke back tears
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. There’s no point in __________. We can’t change what happened. | cry over spilt milk |
| 2. She __________ when she heard she got accepted into her dream university. | cried tears of joy |
| 3. He __________ as he delivered the eulogy at his father’s funeral. | choked back tears |
| 4. She __________ after her boyfriend broke up with her. | cried her heart out |
| 5. Nobody believes him anymore because he has __________ too many times. | cried wolf |
| 6. When she saw her family after years, she was filled with __________. | tears of joy |
| 7. It’s no use __________ about the past; we must look to the future. | crying over spilt milk |
| 8. He tried to __________ when he spoke about the difficult times. | choke back tears |
| 9. After the stressful event, she needed to __________. | cry her heart out |
| 10. The boy who __________ was eventually ignored when he was really in danger. | cried wolf |
Exercise 2: Matching
Match the idiom with its correct meaning.
| Idiom | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1. Weep buckets | A. To pretend to be sad |
| 2. Crocodile tears | B. To suddenly start crying |
| 3. Burst into tears | C. To cry a lot |
| 4. Cry on someone’s shoulder | D. To be very close to crying |
| 5. Be on the verge of tears | E. To seek comfort by sharing one’s troubles |
Answers:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | C |
| 2 | A |
| 3 | B |
| 4 | E |
| 5 | D |
Exercise 3: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct idiom to complete each sentence.
| Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1. She was so happy that she __________. | A) cried a little B) cried for joy C) cried a river | B) cried for joy |
| 2. He __________ when he realized he had lost the game. | A) broke down B) shed a tear C) cried on someone’s shoulder | A) broke down |
| 3. After the argument, she needed to __________. | A) cry wolf B) have a good cry C) cry crocodile tears | B) have a good cry |
| 4. He was __________ after the sad movie. | A) on the verge of tears B) crying over spilt milk C) crying blue murder | A) on the verge of tears |
| 5. Don’t __________; focus on finding a solution. | A) cry one’s heart out B) cry crocodile tears C) cry over spilt milk | C) cry over spilt milk |
| 6. The child __________ when he didn’t get the candy he wanted. | A) cried wolf B) cried blue murder C) cried for joy | B) cried blue murder |
| 7. She __________ as she remembered her childhood. | A) held back tears B) dissolved into tears C) choked back tears | B) dissolved into tears |
| 8. He __________ as he spoke about his late wife. | A) choked back tears B) cried a river C) cried his eyes dry | A) choked back tears |
| 9. She __________ after receiving the unexpected gift. | A) wept buckets B) cried wolf C) cried tears of joy | C) cried tears of joy |
| 10. He was __________ to get sympathy from others. | A) shedding crocodile tears B) crying on someone’s shoulder C) crying his heart out | A) shedding crocodile tears |
Advanced Topics in Crying Idioms
For advanced learners, exploring the cultural and historical context of crying idioms can provide a deeper understanding of their usage. For example, the idiom “crocodile tears” originates from the ancient belief that crocodiles weep while devouring their prey, suggesting insincerity. Understanding such backgrounds can enrich your appreciation of these expressions.
Additionally, analyzing how these idioms are used in literature and film can offer insights into their artistic and emotional impact. Pay attention to how authors and filmmakers use crying idioms to evoke specific emotions or create certain effects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions about idioms for crying.
- What is the difference between “cry one’s eyes out” and “cry one’s heart out“?
“Cry one’s eyes out” refers to crying intensely and for a long time, emphasizing the physical act of crying. “Cry one’s heart out” implies crying with deep emotion and sorrow, focusing on the emotional pain being expressed.
- When is it appropriate to use the idiom “cry wolf“?
The idiom “cry wolf” is used when someone raises a false alarm or pretends to be in distress, leading others to distrust their future claims of needing help. It should be used when the person is intentionally or habitually exaggerating their problems.
- What does “crocodile tears” mean, and how should it be used?
“Crocodile tears” refers to insincere or fake expressions of sadness or remorse. It is used when someone is pretending to be upset, often to manipulate or deceive others. The origin comes from the ancient belief that crocodiles weep while devouring their prey.
- Is it ever okay to use “cry over spilt milk” in a positive way?
No, the idiom “cry over spilt milk” is always used in a negative context. It advises against dwelling on irreversible past events and encourages focusing on the present and future. It is never used to encourage sadness.
- How can I improve my understanding of idioms in general?
To improve your understanding of idioms, read widely, listen to native speakers, and pay attention to the context in which idioms are used. Keep a vocabulary notebook to record new idioms and their meanings. Practice using them in your own conversations and writing.
- Are there any regional variations in the use of crying idioms?
While most crying idioms are widely understood, some regional variations may exist. Be aware of the specific idioms used in different English-speaking regions and adapt your language accordingly. For example, some idioms might be more common in British English than in American English.
- Can I use crying idioms in formal writing?
While some crying idioms are appropriate for informal and conversational settings, it’s best to avoid them in formal writing. Opt for more direct and literal language to maintain a professional tone. However, the use of idioms might be appropriate in creative writing, depending on the desired effect.
- How do I avoid misusing crying idioms?
To avoid misusing crying idioms, always double-check their meanings and usage in a reliable dictionary or grammar guide. Pay attention to the context in which they are used by native speakers. Practice using them in controlled exercises and seek feedback from teachers or language partners.
Conclusion
Mastering idioms for crying can significantly enhance your ability to express emotions and connect with others in English. By understanding the definitions, structures, and usage rules of these idioms, you can add depth and color to your language, making your communication more engaging and effective.
Remember to practice using these idioms in various contexts and to be mindful of your audience to ensure appropriate usage.
Continue to expand your vocabulary and explore the nuances of the English language. With consistent effort and practice, you’ll be able to use idioms confidently and naturally, enriching your overall communication skills.
Embrace the richness of the English language and enjoy the journey of learning and expressing yourself through its diverse idioms.