Cry for the moon
Definitions
desire something unattainable or unrealistic
Express a wish for something that is impossible or extremely difficult to obtaindiscourage someone
Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit
Examples of Cry for the moon
She cried for the moon, not because she wanted to travel to its surface, but out of the deep longing for something unattainable and elusive.
This idiom is often used to describe someone who is yearning for something that is beyond their grasp or impossible to achieve. It's as if they're crying out into the darkness, hoping against hope that they'll somehow be heard by the universe and granted their heart's desire. In this case, the woman is crying not because she wants to physically travel to the moon, but because she's desperately missing something intangible and mysterious that she can't quite name or understand.
In his poetry, the author often cries for the moon, using images of lunar landscapes and celestial bodies to explore themes of love, loss, and longing.
In this example, the idiom is used figuratively to describe how the author's writing is infused with a deep sense of emotion and yearning. It's as if he's calling out into the cosmos, trying to capture the elusive essence of love and connection through his words. By invoking the image of the moon, he's conjuring up a landscape that's both beautiful and haunting, evoking the mysterious pull of the unknown and the unknowable.
The politician cried for the moon as he presented his latest policy proposal, hoping to capture the public's imagination with his ambitious vision for the future.
This example uses the idiom in a slightly more lighthearted and ironic way, implying that the politician is not being entirely realistic or practical in his proposals. It's as if he's promising the public something that's almost too good to be true, making grandiose claims that might inspire awe and admiration but are ultimately unattainable. By invoking the image of the moon, the speaker is highlighting the politician's sense of idealism and optimism, but also suggesting that he might be a little too far removed from the realities of everyday life.
The dancer cried for the moon as she twirled and spun on the stage, her movements both graceful and hauntingly ethereal.
In this example, the idiom is being used in a more literal and metaphorical sense at the same time. The dancer's performance is both a physical and emotional one, invoking the image of a lunar landscape while also hinting at the deeper emotional resonance of her movements. By crying for the moon, she's invoking a sense of mystery and magic, drawing the audience into a world that's both beautiful and haunting, inviting them to share in her sense of longing and yearning. The phrase "danced for the moon" is often used to describe this kind of performance, highlighting the dancer's ability to evoke a sense of reverie and wonder in her audience.
She cried for the moon every night, hoping that one day it would fall to Earth and fill the void in her heart.
This idiom, "cry for the moon," means to hope for something that is impossible or highly unlikely to happen. In this example, the person is crying out for a situation that is completely unrealistic and impractical, like a moon falling from the sky to fill an emotional void.
The politician cried for the moon when he promised to solve every problem in the country in a single speech.
This example of the idiom "cry for the moon" suggests the politician's statement is impractical and unrealistic, as if he's asking for the impossible. It highlights that the politician's promises are unattainable and too good to be true, much like the impossible dream of the moon falling from the sky.
The little boy cried for the moon when he prayed for a new bicycle on his birthday.
In this example, "cry for the moon" refers to a situation that's beyond one's means or expectation. The child is hoping for an expensive gift, something that is difficult to achieve, and very much like the unrealistic dream of a moon falling from the sky.
The author cried for the moon when he described the garden as cool and breezy, in the midday sun.
This example of the idiom "cry for the moon" suggests the author's description is superfluous and implausible, like imagining the moon at midday. It illustrates that the author's depiction is too perfect and unrealistic, much like the impossible dream of a moon during the daytime.
Conclusion
The idiom "cry for the moon" can be used to express an unrealistic desire or to caution someone against pursuing an unattainable goal. It's often used to convey the futility of wishing for something that is impossible to achieve or to discourage someone from pursuing an unrealistic endeavor.Origin of "Cry for the moon"
The origin of the idiom "cry for the moon" can be traced back to ancient times when people believed that the moon had mystical powers and was associated with magic and wonder. The act of crying for the moon was seen as a futile and pointless endeavor, as it was impossible to reach or obtain something that was so far away and out of reach.
The phrase has been used in literature and folklore for centuries, often in the context of expressing an unattainable desire or unrealistic wish. It has since become a commonly used idiom in the English language to convey the idea of longing for something that is impossible to attain. Examples of its usage can be found in various literary works and everyday conversations, highlighting the enduring nature of this idiom.