cry

cry for the moon: seemoon.

cry foul protest strongly about a real or imagined wrong or injustice.

☞ Foul in this context means foul play, a violation of the rules of a game to which attention is drawn by shouting 'foul!'

2013Telegraph Multi-ethnic Malaysia is known for its relatively moderate version of Islam, but conservatives frequently cry foul when a line is deemed to have been crossed.

cry from the heart a passionate and honest appeal or protest.

☞ The French equivalent cri de coeur has also been in use in English since the early 20th century.

cry over spilt milk: seemilk.

cry stinking fish disparage your own efforts or products.

☞ This expression stems from the practice of street vendors crying their wares (i.e. shouting and praising their goods) to attract customers. If a vendor were to cry 'stinking fish', he could not expect to attract many.

1991Independent on Sunday I want to use the Home Affairs Committee Report for those in racing to go forward together and at last to stop crying 'stinking fish'.

cry wolf: seewolf.

be a far cry from: seefar.

in full cry expressing an opinion loudly and forcefully.

☞ Full cry originated and is still used as a hunting expression referring to a pack of hounds all baying in pursuit of their quarry.

a shoulder to cry on: seeshoulder.