# cry the blues

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/cry-the-blues
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To complain, especially in order to obtain sympathy for one's own purportedly sad situation.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.