Elamur: [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [Parse](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/parse/) · **Dictionary** · [Translate](https://md.translate.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [Research](https://md.research.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [MCP](https://mcp.elamur.ai/) · [Groupants](https://md.groupants.elamur.ai/free/en/)

[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/for-crying-out-loud/)

[dictionaries](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [English](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/) / [F](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/f/) / for crying out loud

# for crying out loud

exclamation (phrase: for crying out loud!)

«for crying out loud» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (mild exclamation) shows annoyance, impatience or surprise, used instead of swearing or a religious oath.
2. (emphasis) makes a request stronger: «For crying out loud, sit down!»

### In the lessons

A family-friendly way to vent anger, common among parents, teachers and in films; everyday, all regions, especially US, UK and Canada. Nobody is literally crying.

### Examples

- For crying out loud, close the door!
- Oh, for crying out loud, I've burnt the toast again.
- For crying out loud, it's only a game.
- "For crying out loud, Ben, where are your shoes?"
- The fans shouted, "For crying out loud, pass the ball!"
- It's three o'clock, for crying out loud, and you're still in bed!
- For crying out loud, you've asked me that five times.
- Dad muttered, "For crying out loud," at the traffic.

### Note

Trap: not literal; no one is crying. It replaces stronger religious or rude exclamations, so it is mild. Plain meaning: «I'm annoyed!»