ENGLISH
REFERENCE

come home by weeping cross

idiom
Meaning

To return in disappointment, or in a spirit of contrition.


Origin

disputed origin

From a common English placename indicating the former site of a stone cross.

Examples
SIMPLE

He went to the city but came home by weeping cross.

CONTEXTUAL

After his ambitious business venture failed completely, he had to come home by weeping cross to face his family.

COMPLEX

The young soldier, having ignored his father's wise counsel and suffered a bitter defeat, returned to the village to come home by weeping cross.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as they come

    As it is possible to be.

  2. 02

    blow to kingdom come

    To totally destroy (something); to annihilate or wipe out (something).

  3. 03

    bring home

    To earn (money).

  4. 04

    bring home the bacon

    To have employment which provides remuneration to satisfy the basic needs of oneself and one's family.

  5. 05

    broken home

    A home in which the parents have separated or divorced.

  6. 06

    charity begins at home

    One should help the people closest to oneself before thinking of helping others.

  7. 07

    Christmas come early

    Something very delightful or fortunate that is happening or has happened, especially earlier than expected.

  8. 08

    close to home

    Affecting people close to, or within, one's family circle.

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