Idioms for Crying: Expressing Sadness in English

Understanding idioms is crucial for mastering English, especially when expressing emotions. Idioms for crying offer a colorful and nuanced way to describe sadness, grief, and sorrow.

This article will explore various idioms related to crying, their meanings, and how to use them effectively. Whether you’re an English language learner or simply looking to expand your vocabulary, this comprehensive guide will help you understand and use these idioms with confidence, enhancing your communication skills and making your language more expressive.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Idioms are phrases or expressions whose meanings cannot be understood from the literal definitions of the words they contain. They add color and depth to the English language, allowing speakers to convey complex emotions and ideas in a concise and impactful way.

Mastering idioms is essential for achieving fluency and understanding native speakers. This article focuses on idioms specifically related to crying, a universal human experience expressed in countless ways through language.

This guide provides a thorough exploration of idioms for crying, covering their definitions, structural nuances, usage rules, and common pitfalls. Through numerous examples and practice exercises, learners will develop a strong grasp of these expressions and learn to use them appropriately in various contexts.

By understanding these idioms, you can express sadness, grief, or emotional distress more effectively and connect with others on a deeper level. This knowledge is particularly beneficial for English language learners, writers, and anyone interested in improving their communication skills.

Definition of Idioms for Crying

An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning is different from the literal meaning of the individual words. Idioms for crying are phrases that describe the act of crying or expressing sadness in a non-literal way.

These idioms often use figurative language, such as metaphors and similes, to convey the intensity, reason, or duration of the crying. Understanding these idioms requires knowledge of their specific meanings and the contexts in which they are typically used.

Idioms for crying can be classified based on several factors, including the intensity of the crying (e.g., sobbing uncontrollably versus shedding a few tears), the reason for the crying (e.g., grief, joy, frustration), and the duration of the crying (e.g., a brief cry versus a prolonged period of weeping). These classifications help to understand the subtle differences in meaning and usage among various idioms.

For example, “crying one’s eyes out” suggests intense and prolonged grief, while “shedding a tear” indicates a milder form of sadness or sentimentality.

The function of idioms for crying is to add emotional depth and expressiveness to language. They allow speakers and writers to convey the nuances of human emotion in a way that is both vivid and concise.

By using idioms, individuals can connect with their audience on a more personal level, evoking empathy and understanding. The context in which an idiom is used is crucial for its interpretation.

Factors such as the speaker’s tone, the situation being described, and the relationship between the speaker and the listener all contribute to the overall meaning of the idiom.

Structural Breakdown of Idioms

Idioms, by their nature, defy a strict structural analysis because their meaning is not derived from the sum of their parts. However, we can examine the common patterns and components that make up idioms for crying.

Many of these idioms involve verbs related to crying, such as “cry,” “weep,” “sob,” or “shed,” combined with nouns or adverbs that modify the action. Understanding these structural elements can help learners recognize and interpret new idioms more easily.

One common pattern involves the use of metaphorical language, where crying is compared to something else. For example, “crying buckets” uses the metaphor of buckets to represent the large volume of tears being shed.

Another pattern involves the use of hyperbole, or exaggeration, to emphasize the intensity of the crying, as in “crying one’s eyes out.” Some idioms also use personification, attributing human qualities to inanimate objects, such as “the skies wept” to describe heavy rain.

The grammatical structure of idioms can vary. Some are simple phrases, while others are complete sentences.

For example, “burst into tears” is a phrase, while “it’s enough to make you cry” is a sentence. The structure of the idiom often reflects the context in which it is used.

Shorter, simpler idioms are often used in informal conversation, while longer, more complex idioms may be used in more formal writing or speech. The key is to understand that the meaning of the idiom is fixed and does not change based on grammatical variations.

Types and Categories of Crying Idioms

Idioms for crying can be categorized based on various aspects of the crying experience, such as the intensity, reason, and duration. Understanding these categories can help you choose the most appropriate idiom to express a particular emotion or situation.

Intensity of Crying

This category includes idioms that describe the degree or severity of crying, ranging from mild to extreme. Some idioms suggest a quiet, restrained sadness, while others indicate uncontrollable sobbing.

Examples include:

  • Shed a tear: To cry a little.
  • Choke up: To feel emotional and unable to speak without crying.
  • Get teary-eyed: To become emotional and start to cry.
  • Cry your eyes out: To cry very hard and for a long time.
  • Sob uncontrollably: To cry with convulsive gasps.
  • Weep buckets: To cry a lot.

Reasons for Crying

This category includes idioms that suggest the cause or motivation behind the crying. Some idioms imply sadness or grief, while others may indicate joy, frustration, or even anger.

Examples include:

  • Cry over spilt milk: To be upset about something that cannot be changed.
  • Enough to make you cry: Something that is very sad or frustrating.
  • Cry with laughter: To laugh so hard that you cry.
  • Tears of joy: Crying because you are happy.
  • Cry wolf: To raise a false alarm.

Duration of Crying

This category includes idioms that describe how long the crying lasts, whether it is a brief moment or a prolonged period of weeping. Examples include:

  • A good cry: A long, satisfying cry that helps to release emotions.
  • Burst into tears: To suddenly start crying.
  • Hold back tears: To try not to cry.
  • Wipe away tears: To stop crying and remove tears from your face.

Examples of Idioms for Crying

This section provides extensive examples of idioms for crying, organized by category. Each example includes a definition and a sentence illustrating its usage.

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General Crying Idioms

These idioms are commonly used to describe crying in general, without specifying the intensity, reason, or duration.

The table below provides examples of general crying idioms, along with their definitions and example sentences. These idioms are versatile and can be used in a variety of contexts to describe the act of crying.

Idiom Definition Example Sentence
Cry To shed tears, typically as an expression of distress, pain, or sorrow. She began to cry when she heard the sad news.
Weep To cry with deep sorrow. He wept for his lost friend.
Sob To cry noisily, making loud, convulsive gasps. She sobbed after the argument.
Shed tears To cry. He shed tears during the emotional movie scene.
Break down To lose emotional control and start crying. She broke down when she heard the news.
Burst into tears To suddenly start crying. She burst into tears upon receiving the award.
Tear up To become tearful. He started to tear up during the wedding vows.
Get emotional To become visibly affected by emotions, often leading to crying. She got emotional while talking about her childhood.
Choke up To feel emotional and unable to speak without crying. He choked up when he thanked his parents.
Get teary-eyed To become emotional and start to cry. She got teary-eyed at the graduation ceremony.
Wipe away tears To stop crying and remove tears from your face. He wiped away tears and tried to smile.
Hold back tears To try not to cry. She tried to hold back tears during the funeral.
Cry a river To cry a lot. She cried a river when her pet died.
Pour one’s heart out To express one’s feelings openly and freely, often involving crying. She poured her heart out to her best friend.
Have a good cry To cry for a long time, often as a way to release emotions. She needed to have a good cry after the stressful day.
Let it all out To express one’s emotions freely, often involving crying. She decided to let it all out and tell him how she felt.
Cry one’s heart out To cry intensely and for a long time. She cried her heart out after the breakup.
Cry oneself to sleep To cry until one falls asleep. She cried herself to sleep after the bad news.
Voice breaking The voice becoming unsteady due to emotion, often preceding tears. Her voice was breaking as she delivered the eulogy.
Eyes welling up Eyes filling with tears. Her eyes were welling up as she watched the sunset.
Bawl one’s eyes out To cry loudly and uncontrollably. The child bawled his eyes out when he fell and scraped his knee.
Be on the verge of tears To be very close to crying. She was on the verge of tears as she listened to the sad story.
Fight back tears To make a conscious effort to prevent oneself from crying. He had to fight back tears during the emotional scene in the play.
Be moved to tears To be so emotionally affected that one starts to cry. She was moved to tears by the beautiful music.
Dissolve into tears To suddenly start crying uncontrollably. She dissolved into tears upon hearing the unexpected news.

Intense Crying Idioms

These idioms describe crying that is particularly strong or overwhelming.

The table below provides examples of intense crying idioms, along with their definitions and example sentences. These idioms are used to describe situations where the crying is particularly strong or overwhelming, conveying a deep sense of sadness or distress.

Idiom Definition Example Sentence
Cry one’s eyes out To cry very hard and for a long time. She cried her eyes out after the breakup.
Weep buckets To cry a lot. She wept buckets when her favorite character died in the movie.
Sob uncontrollably To cry with convulsive gasps. He sobbed uncontrollably at the funeral.
Cry a river To cry a lot. She cried a river when she lost her job.
Bawl one’s eyes out To cry loudly and uncontrollably. The child bawled his eyes out when he fell and scraped his knee.
Dissolve into tears To suddenly start crying uncontrollably. She dissolved into tears upon hearing the unexpected news.
Cry one’s heart out To cry intensely and for a long time. He cried his heart out when he realized his mistake.
Cry oneself to sleep To cry until one falls asleep. She cried herself to sleep after the argument.
Break down completely To lose emotional control and cry intensely. He broke down completely when he received the devastating news.
Be overcome with emotion To be so affected by emotions that one cries intensely. She was overcome with emotion and couldn’t stop crying.
Tears streaming down one’s face Tears flowing continuously from one’s eyes. Tears were streaming down her face as she read the letter.
Wail To cry loudly and mournfully. She wailed at the loss of her loved one.
Lament To express sorrow or regret, often involving crying. He lamented his past mistakes with tears in his eyes.
Be inconsolable Unable to be comforted; crying without ceasing. She was inconsolable after the tragedy.
Shattered Emotionally broken, often leading to intense crying. She was shattered by the news and couldn’t stop crying.
In floods of tears Crying copiously and uncontrollably. She was in floods of tears after the final exam.
Reduced to tears Made to cry by something upsetting or emotional. The harsh criticism reduced her to tears.
Grief-stricken Deeply saddened and overwhelmed by sorrow, often leading to intense crying. He was grief-stricken after the death of his wife.
Heartbroken Overwhelmed with sadness and grief, often leading to intense crying. She was heartbroken after the relationship ended.
Spilling tears Crying copiously. She was spilling tears as she watched the sad movie.
Give way to tears To lose control and start crying. She could no longer hold back her emotions and gave way to tears.
Uncontrollable weeping Crying that cannot be stopped or managed. After the traumatic event, she experienced uncontrollable weeping.
Torrent of tears A large and overwhelming flow of tears. A torrent of tears poured down her face as she read the letter.
Lost it To lose emotional control, often resulting in intense crying. She lost it when she heard the news and started crying.

Mild Crying Idioms

These idioms describe crying that is less intense, often indicating a gentle sadness or sentimentality.

The table below provides examples of mild crying idioms, along with their definitions and example sentences. These idioms are used to describe situations where the crying is less intense, often indicating a gentle sadness, sentimentality, or slight emotional reaction.

Idiom Definition Example Sentence
Shed a tear To cry a little. He shed a tear during the touching scene in the movie.
Tear up To become tearful. She started to tear up during the wedding vows.
Get teary-eyed To become emotional and start to cry. She got teary-eyed at the graduation ceremony.
Choke up To feel emotional and unable to speak without crying. He choked up when he thanked his parents.
Be on the verge of tears To be very close to crying. She was on the verge of tears as she listened to the sad story.
Eyes welling up Eyes filling with tears. Her eyes were welling up as she watched the sunset.
Fight back tears To make a conscious effort to prevent oneself from crying. He had to fight back tears during the emotional scene in the play.
Get a lump in one’s throat To feel emotional and have difficulty speaking. He got a lump in his throat when he talked about his childhood.
Have moist eyes To have eyes that are slightly wet with tears. She had moist eyes as she said goodbye to her friend.
Gathering tears Tears beginning to form in the eyes. She felt gathering tears as she listened to the heartfelt speech.
A glimmer of tears A faint sign of tears in the eyes. There was a glimmer of tears in his eyes as he spoke about his loss.
A prick of tears A sudden, sharp feeling that one is about to cry. She felt a prick of tears when she saw the old photograph.
A touch of sadness A slight feeling of sadness that may lead to mild crying. There was a touch of sadness in her voice as she recounted the story.
A hint of tears A slight indication of tears in the eyes or voice. There was a hint of tears in her eyes as she thanked everyone for their support.
Be moved to tears To be so emotionally affected that one starts to cry, but not intensely. She was moved to tears by the beautiful music.
Voice trembling A slight shaking of the voice due to emotion, often preceding mild crying. Her voice was trembling as she delivered the eulogy.
Eyes misting over Eyes becoming slightly blurred with tears. Her eyes misted over as she listened to the sentimental song.
On the verge of breaking down Close to losing emotional control and starting to cry, but still managing to hold it together. She was on the verge of breaking down but managed to maintain her composure.
Almost crying Very close to crying, but not quite. She was almost crying as she said goodbye to her friends.
Near tears Close to crying. He was near tears as he watched the final scene of the movie.
A catch in one’s voice A slight break or hesitation in the voice due to emotion. There was a catch in her voice as she spoke about her father.
A slight sniffle A quiet, barely audible sound made when trying not to cry. She tried to hide her sadness with a slight sniffle.
A tear-filled gaze A look in one’s eyes that indicates sadness and the presence of tears. She gave him a tear-filled gaze as she walked away.
A watery-eyed look A look in one’s eyes that suggests sadness and the presence of tears. He had a watery-eyed look as he recounted the story.
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Usage Rules for Crying Idioms

Using idioms correctly requires understanding their specific meanings and the contexts in which they are appropriate. Here are some general rules to follow when using idioms for crying:

  • Context is key: Consider the situation and the audience when choosing an idiom. Some idioms are more appropriate for informal conversation, while others are better suited for formal writing or speech.
  • Know the meaning: Make sure you understand the precise meaning of the idiom before using it. Using an idiom incorrectly can lead to confusion or miscommunication.
  • Avoid overuse: While idioms can add color to your language, using too many can make your speech sound unnatural or forced.
  • Consider cultural differences: Some idioms may not translate well across cultures. Be mindful of your audience and choose idioms that are likely to be understood.

For example, the idiom “cry over spilt milk” is appropriate in situations where someone is upset about something that cannot be changed. However, it would not be appropriate in a situation where someone is grieving the loss of a loved one.

Similarly, the idiom “cry one’s eyes out” is appropriate for describing intense grief, but it would be an exaggeration for describing a mild disappointment.

It’s also important to be aware of the potential for idioms to be misinterpreted. Because idioms are non-literal, they can be confusing for non-native speakers or those unfamiliar with the expression.

When in doubt, it’s best to use more direct and literal language to ensure that your message is understood clearly.

Common Mistakes with Crying Idioms

One common mistake is using idioms out of context. For example, saying “He was crying over spilt milk” when someone is mourning a death is inappropriate.

Another mistake is misunderstanding the meaning of an idiom and using it incorrectly. For instance, confusing “shed a tear” with “cry a river” can significantly alter the message.

Here are some examples of correct and incorrect usage:

Incorrect Correct Explanation
She was crying buckets over her lost keys. She was upset about losing her keys. “Crying buckets” implies a significant loss or grief, not misplaced keys.
He shed a river when he won the lottery. He shed a tear when he won the lottery. “Shed a tear” is more appropriate for a happy, mild emotional reaction.
Don’t cry wolf about your stubbed toe. Don’t make a big deal about your stubbed toe. “Cry wolf” means to raise a false alarm, which doesn’t fit the context of a minor injury.
She broke into tears of frustration. She burst into tears of frustration. The correct idiom is “burst into tears,” not “broke into tears.”

Another common error is using the wrong form of the idiom. Idioms are fixed expressions, and changing the words can alter the meaning or make the phrase nonsensical.

For example, saying “cry your heart out” instead of “cry your eyes out” changes the idiom’s meaning and is grammatically incorrect.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of idioms for crying with these practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate idiom from the list below.

Idiom List: cry one’s eyes out, shed a tear, cry over spilt milk, burst into tears, hold back tears, choke up, get teary-eyed, cry wolf, have a good cry, tear up

Question Answer
1. It’s no use __________ about the mistake; we need to move on. cry over spilt milk
2. She __________ when she saw her old friend after many years. tore up
3. He tried to __________ during the emotional scene in the movie. hold back tears
4. She __________ when she heard the news of her acceptance into college. burst into tears
5. He __________ during his speech, unable to continue. choked up
6. The old man __________ as he watched his granddaughter graduate. shed a tear
7. She needed to __________ after the stressful week. have a good cry
8. He __________ so often that no one believed him when there was a real emergency. cried wolf
9. She __________ after the breakup, feeling completely heartbroken. cried her eyes out
10. She began to __________ as she read the heartfelt letter. get teary-eyed
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Exercise 2: Choose the correct idiom to complete the sentence.

Question Options Answer
1. She was so touched by the story that she _____. (a) cried a river (b) shed a tear (c) cried wolf (b) shed a tear
2. It’s not worth _____ over something so small. (a) crying one’s heart out (b) crying over spilt milk (c) bursting into tears (b) crying over spilt milk
3. He _____ when he talked about his deceased father. (a) choked up (b) cried wolf (c) shed buckets (a) choked up
4. The movie was so sad that she _____. (a) got teary-eyed (b) cried wolf (c) held back tears (a) got teary-eyed
5. After the long and difficult journey, they finally _____. (a) burst into tears (b) cried wolf (c) shed a tear (a) burst into tears
6. The child _____ so often that no one believed him when he was really hurt. (a) shed a tear (b) cried wolf (c) cried a river (b) cried wolf
7. She _____ after the painful breakup, feeling completely devastated. (a) cried her eyes out (b) got teary-eyed (c) choked up (a) cried her eyes out
8. He tried to _____ as he listened to the moving speech. (a) burst into tears (b) hold back tears (c) cry wolf (b) hold back tears
9. After the stressful week, she just needed to _____. (a) burst into tears (b) have a good cry (c) cry wolf (b) have a good cry
10. She began to _____ as she listened to the heartfelt music. (a) cry a river (b) tear up (c) cry wolf (b) tear up

Advanced Topics in Crying Idioms

For advanced learners, exploring the nuances of regional variations and historical origins of idioms can provide a deeper understanding. Some idioms may be more common in certain dialects of English, while others have historical roots that shed light on their meaning.

For example, the idiom “crocodile tears” refers to the myth that crocodiles cry while consuming their prey. Understanding this historical context adds depth to the idiom’s meaning, which refers to insincere or hypocritical displays of sadness.

Analyzing the metaphorical language used in idioms for crying can also enhance understanding. Many idioms use metaphors to compare crying to something else, such as a river or a flood.

These metaphors evoke vivid images and convey the intensity of the crying in a more impactful way. Studying the use of metaphor in idioms can improve both comprehension and usage.

Additionally, exploring the cultural significance of crying and emotional expression in different societies can provide valuable insights. Some cultures may view crying as a sign of weakness, while others see it as a healthy and natural way to release emotions.

Understanding these cultural differences can help learners use idioms for crying more sensitively and appropriately in diverse contexts.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is an idiom?

    An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the literal definitions of the words it contains. It’s a figurative expression where the overall meaning is different from the individual words’ meanings.

  2. Why is it important to learn idioms?

    Learning idioms is essential for understanding native English speakers and for making your own speech more natural and expressive. Idioms add color and depth to the language, allowing you to convey complex emotions and ideas in a concise way.

  3. How can I learn new idioms?

    You can learn new idioms by reading books, watching movies, listening to podcasts, and paying attention to how native speakers use language. It’s also helpful to look up idioms in a dictionary or online resource and practice using them in your own speech and writing.

  4. Are idioms the same in all English-speaking countries?

    No, idioms can vary significantly between different English-speaking countries and regions. Some idioms may be common in one country but unfamiliar in another. Be mindful of these regional variations when using idioms.

  5. What is the difference between “shed a tear” and “cry a river”?

    “Shed a tear” means to cry a
    little, indicating a mild emotional response. “Cry a river” means to cry a lot, suggesting a more intense and prolonged period of weeping.

  6. Is it okay to use idioms in formal writing?

    It depends on the context and the audience. Some idioms are appropriate for formal writing, while others are better suited for informal conversation. Consider the tone and purpose of your writing when deciding whether to use idioms.

  7. How can I avoid using idioms incorrectly?

    To avoid using idioms incorrectly, make sure you understand their precise meanings and the contexts in which they are appropriate. Practice using idioms in your own speech and writing, and ask for feedback from native speakers.

  8. What should I do if I don’t understand an idiom?

    If you don’t understand an idiom, look it up in a dictionary or online resource. You can also ask a native speaker to explain its meaning and usage.

  9. How do I know if an idiom is appropriate to use in a conversation?

    Consider your relationship with the person you’re talking to, the setting, and the topic of conversation. If you’re unsure, it’s often best to use more direct and literal language to ensure clarity.

  10. Can idioms have more than one meaning?

    Yes, some idioms can have multiple meanings depending on the context. Pay attention to the surrounding words and phrases to determine the intended meaning of the idiom.

Conclusion

Mastering idioms for crying is a valuable skill for anyone learning or using the English language. These expressions add depth and color to your communication, allowing you to convey emotions more effectively and connect with others on a deeper level.

By understanding the definitions, structural nuances, usage rules, and common pitfalls of these idioms, you can enhance your fluency and expressiveness. This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of idioms for crying, complete with examples, practice exercises, and advanced topics to further your knowledge.

Keep practicing and incorporating these idioms into your everyday language to truly master their usage and enrich your communication skills.

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