shoulder to cry on

shoulder to cry on

One who provides comfort to another during a difficult time. Janine needed a shoulder to cry on after she lost her job, so she came over to my apartment.
See also: cry, on, shoulder
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

a shoulder to cry on

COMMON A shoulder to cry on is someone who is sympathetic to you when you are upset and listens when you talk about your problems. For a lot of new mums the health visitor is the perfect shoulder to cry on when it all gets too much. If you need a shoulder to cry on, you know where I am. Note: You can also say that one person cries on another's shoulder. He had let her cry on his shoulder when her mother died, taking her calls in the middle of the night.
See also: cry, on, shoulder
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

a shoulder to cry on

someone who listens sympathetically to another person's problems.
See also: cry, on, shoulder
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

a shoulder to ˈcry on

a person who listens to your troubles and offers sympathy and kindness: When you’re depressed, you need a shoulder to cry on.
See also: cry, on, shoulder
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • a shoulder to cry on
  • a change of heart
  • a mystery to (one)
  • appear to
  • a double bind
  • a turn of phrase
  • able to do
  • able to do it
  • a tough cookie
  • a tough customer/cookie
References in periodicals archive
I've got a great shoulder to cry on - my wife is a brilliant shoulder to cry on.
My hair has grown back ..it's fantastic just to feel normal again; TV's Bill on life after his cancer treatment
"Maria had been so good to him, a true shoulder to cry on in his hour of need.
Tweed took 'caring' glamour model for a ride after Goody's death
When they row, Carla is quick to offer him a shoulder to cry on, which only adds to Maria's fears he will leave her.
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Perhaps a shoulder to cry on is what's needed here?
I Can't Smell My Dinner, #1
While it's impossible to keep your unhappy feelings completely in check pretending nothing's wrong, you can't expect them to be your shoulder to cry on.
Dr Miriam: It's a crying shame he's divorcing me
I am offering no more than a shoulder to cry on. But Kerry thinks this will wake Brian up."
'KERRY LOVE IS JUST A SHAM' EXCLUSIVE 'Romance' is ploy to get Brian back
Whether it's a minor or major catastrophe, let her know you have a shoulder to cry on and a box of tissues.
Friendship is golden: are you an A+ gal pal? Stop guessing, and learn the Six Sacred Rules of Friendship. (GL Friends)
And after June 8, I might give the Tories my shoulder to cry on."
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