cry the blues

cry the blues

1. Literally, to sing blues music or in that style. There was this old man crying the blues at the bar last night; it was a really moving bit of music.
2. By extension, to complain, whine, or express grief, especially as a means of gaining sympathy from others. Many people will cry the blues over trivial inconveniences, while millions of others silently suffer real hardships every day.
See also: blues, cry
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • sing the blues
  • blue note
  • blare out
  • have the blues
  • throw (some) shapes
  • grunch
  • grunge
  • by ear
  • elevator music
  • ethnic music
References in periodicals archive
Yet we hear the CEOs of these large credit unions cry the blues about wanting and needing to make more loans.
Pox on robo lending
10 Dealing With a Troubled Company: No Need to Cry the Blues Bruce Nathan, Esq.
NACM's 2008 Audio Teleconference Series
Tell your needy female friends (and male friends and relatives) that you've listened to them cry the blues long enough and that either they should follow the sound advice you've given them (repeatedly) or seek professional help.
This Valentine's Day, love yourself: Valentine's Day is for love, and you have to love yourself before you can truly benefit from the love of others. (Sisterspeak)
And the fact was, Johnny had a right to cry the blues, since he had not only believed in Larry but created his career and legend.
What he did: Barbara Rose on Larry Rivers. (Passages)
Nov 29 Teleconference: Dealing with a Troubled Company: No Need to Cry the Blues! Presenter: Bruce Nathan.
October/November
Hear Bruce speak at Credit Congress: Protecting Trade Creditors From Customer Bankruptcy Risk: No Need To Cry The Blues! June 15
Be careful when taking regular checks for lien release or cash transactions: a commentary on the JWJ Contracting Co. case