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Cry for the moon means to ask for something which is logically not possible or cannot be achieved or completed. It refers to asking or making an unrealistic request or desire from someone. It mostly suggests a sense of yearning or longing for something which is not within reach or grasp. Keep reading this blog to find more information on cry for the moon idiom.
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Cry for the Moon: Origin,Usage with Example
The cry for the moon idiom is mostly used when someone is making a demand or asking for something. Consider this example, ‘Her demand for $2 million is like she is crying for the moon.’ In this statement, the person is demanding a huge amount of money which everybody cannot give or have.’
The origin of this English idiom is vague, but it derives from the notion that the moon, which is a celestial object or body, is far from reach and cannot be obtained. Therefore, crying for the moon or asking for the moon implies a desire for something that is out of reach or cannot be attained.
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Here are some more examples of the idiom cry for the moon which will give you ideas about how to use them in different situations.
- ‘Mia asked for a month-long vacation from his boss without using any of her accumulated leaves. She was clearly crying for the moon.’
- ‘Micheal wants to win an Olympic gold medal without working hard. It’s like he is crying for the moon.’
- ‘Rachel had a dream where she was winning an award as a professional singer without taking any vocal lessons. Her aspirations were crying for the moon.’
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Synonyms and Similar Words to Cry for the Moon
The English idiom cry for the moon has a lot of synonyms and similar words, which can be used in different contexts and situations. Here’s a list of some of the most popular synonyms that can be useful.
- Ask for the impossible
- Make an unreasonable demand
- Cannot be achieved
- Demand the impossible
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Cry for the Moon Meaning Quiz
Hershel was crying for the moon as he:
- wants to travel to Mars
- will be turning 45 next month
- owns a restaurant
Ans. Wants to travel to Mars.
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FAQs
“Cry for the moon” is an idiom that means to ask for something that is impossible or highly unlikely to achieve. It’s used to describe someone who is making an unreasonable or excessive demand.
The exact origin of this idiom is unclear, but it likely stems from the literal impossibility of reaching or obtaining the moon. The phrase suggests that the desired thing is as unattainable as the moon itself.
While “cry for the moon” is a common idiom, there are other similar expressions that convey a similar meaning:
Reach for the stars: This idiom suggests aiming high, but it can also imply unrealistic ambition.
Ask for the world: This phrase means to demand too much or too many things.
While dreaming big is essential, setting unrealistic goals can lead to disappointment and frustration. It’s crucial to balance ambition with practicality and focus on achievable objectives.
While it can be used in both formal and informal contexts, it’s more commonly used in informal settings.
The phrase often carries a sense of disappointment, frustration, or even a touch of humor. It can also imply a sense of longing or wishful thinking.
No, the phrase is always used figuratively to describe an impossible or unrealistic desire.
Recognising when someone is “crying for the moon” can help you to manage expectations, offer realistic advice, or simply empathize with their desires. It can also encourage you to set more achievable goals and avoid unnecessary stress.
This was all about the cry in the wilderness idiom. You can also follow the Learn English page of Leverage Edu for more exciting and informative blogs related to Idioms and the English language.
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