cry the blues
To complain, especially in order to obtain sympathy for one's own purportedly sad situation.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Stop crying the blues about your bad luck.”
“He always cries the blues when he has to work on the weekend, even though he gets paid extra.”
“Despite his constant attempts to cry the blues regarding his financial situation, his colleagues knew he had inherited a significant fortune.”
- 01
cry all the way to the bank
To be happy due to the receipt of money, but sad about the cause.
- 02
cry cupboard
To want or need food; to show signs of hunger.
- 03
cry down
To condemn, disparage.
- 04
cry for help
Acting out as a means of displaying a subconscious desire for attention or help.
- 05
cry foul
To protest about something which appears to be unjust.
- 06
cry in one's beer
To feel sorry for oneself; to feel sadness or regret, especially in combination with self-pity.
- 07
cry one's eyes out
To weep for an elongated time, or in an excessive manner.
- 08
cry oneself to sleep
To cry until or to fall asleep.
Last updated August 10, 2026