more cry than wool
Dramatic assertions that are backed by little evidence.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“His loud complaints are more cry than wool.”
“That scary dog is actually more cry than wool.”
“Their protest seems to be more cry than wool today.”
“The politician promised massive changes, but his plan was more cry than wool when we looked at the details.”
“The manager threatened to fire everyone during the meeting, but we all knew his anger was more cry than wool.”
“She talks about her expensive lifestyle constantly, but her empty bank account shows it is more cry than wool.”
“The storm warning sounded terrifying on the news, but the actual weather was more cry than wool as only a few drops of rain fell.”
“The company's marketing campaign promised a revolutionary product, yet the final release proved to be more cry than wool, leaving investors disappointed.”
first recorded 15th c.
Derived from the practice of shearing sheep, in which the sheep may "cry" as their wool is removed. The earliest recorded variation appears to be by 15th century English lawyer John Fortescue, who wrote "Moche Crye and no Wull" in De laudibus legum Angliae (c. 1470), ch. x.
- 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