ENGLISH
REFERENCE

crying shame

idiom
Meaning

A situation that is considered to be a disgrace, or deplorable.


Examples
SIMPLE

It is a crying shame that the park is so dirty.

CONTEXTUAL

The old theater is closing down next month, which is a crying shame for the local community.

COMPLEX

It remains a crying shame that such a talented artist never received the recognition she deserved during her lifetime.

Anchors to
Related idioms2entries
  1. 01

    for crying out loud

    Used to express frustration, exasperation, or annoyance.

  2. 02

    name and shame

    To publish the name of (a person or organization that has committed some transgression) so as to single them out for individual blame and censure.

© 2026 English Reference