shoulder to cry on
Someone offering emotional support to another in distress.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I am sad and need a shoulder to cry on.”
“When she lost her job, her best friend was always there as a shoulder to cry on.”
“In times of deep personal tragedy, he found that having a reliable shoulder to cry on made the burden of grief much easier to bear.”
- 01
broad shoulders
the ability to take criticism, or accept responsibility.
- 02
chip on one's shoulder
A habitually combative attitude, usually because of a harbored grievance, a sense of inferiority, or a desire to prove something.
- 03
cold shoulder
A deliberate act of disrespect; a slight or snub.
- 04
cry all the way to the bank
To be happy due to the receipt of money, but sad about the cause.
- 05
cry cupboard
To want or need food; to show signs of hunger.
- 06
cry down
To condemn, disparage.
- 07
cry for help
Acting out as a means of displaying a subconscious desire for attention or help.
- 08
cry foul
To protest about something which appears to be unjust.
Last updated August 10, 2026