PhrasesHub

Cry me a river

    Definitions

      • dismiss someone's complaints or emotions
        To tell someone to stop complaining or expressing their feelings, often in a sarcastic or dismissive manner

      • show insincerity or lack of sympathy
        To mock or belittle someone's emotions or struggles, implying that they are not genuine or significant

      • express intense emotion or grief
        To cry excessively or uncontrollably, often in a dramatic or exaggerated manner

    Examples of Cry me a river

    • "Cry me a river, I'm tired of hearing about your problems all the time."

      This idiom is used when someone is tired of listening to someone else's constant complaints or problems. It implies that the listener feels that the person complaining is being overly dramatic or exaggerating their problems, and suggests that they should stop complaining and deal with their issues on their own. The phrase "cry me a river" is a figurative expression that means "stop complaining and deal with your problems on your own." It comes from the idea that if someone is crying excessively, it's as if they're creating a river of tears, which is a dramatic and excessive response to a situation. The idiom is used to suggest that the person complaining is being overly dramatic or exaggerating their problems, and that they should stop complaining and deal with their issues on their own.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "cry me a river" is commonly used in casual conversations to dismiss someone's complaints or emotions. It can be seen as a sarcastic response, implying that the person's feelings are not valid or important. It can also be used to mock or belittle someone's struggles, suggesting that they are not sincere or significant.

    Moreover, "cry me a river" can also be used to describe someone who is crying excessively or dramatically. In this context, the idiom is often used to express annoyance or frustration towards the person's behavior.

    Origin of "Cry me a river"

    The origin of the idiom "cry me a river" can be traced back to the early 20th century. It is believed to have originated from the song "Cry Me a River" written by Arthur Hamilton in 1953. The song tells the story of a man who has been hurt by his lover and is now telling her to cry over him as he did over her.

    The phrase gained popularity in the 2000s when American singer Justin Timberlake released a song with the same title. The lyrics of the song revolve around a man who is fed up with his lover's lies and manipulative ways, and is now telling her to "cry me a river" as he did over her.

    Today, the idiom "cry me a river" has become a common expression in the English language, used in various contexts to convey different meanings. It is often used in a playful or sarcastic manner, but can also be seen as hurtful or insensitive in some situations.