cry for the moon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cry for the moon" is a correct and commonly used idiom in written English.
It means to ask for something that is impossible to obtain or unrealistic. Example: "John is always crying for the moon, asking for a raise even though the company is facing financial difficulties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

He cried for the moon; from the sky where she rolled.

The New Yorker

You reached for the secret too soon, you cried for the moon".

The Guardian

I think Lambert is right, but, unlike him, I could have used a little more crying for the moon.

The New Yorker

In one [the symphony], Tchaikovsky is crying for the moon; in the other ["Beauty"], he is content to gaze at its beauty".

The New Yorker

By Arthur Guiterman The New Yorker, July 18 , 1931 P. 23He cried for the moon; from the sky where she rolled View Article By Phil Klay By Alan Burdick By Troy Patterson By Larissa MacFarquhar.

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, July 18 , 1931 P. 23He cried for the moon; from the sky where she rolled View Article Trump's Lawyers Argue That He Cannot Be Impeached Because He Was Never Actually Elected What Happens When a Bad-Tempered, Distractible Doofus Runs an Empire?

The New Yorker

Barrett is fondly recalled with lines such as "Remember when you were young, you shone like the sun" and "You reached for the secret too soon, you cried for the moon".

Wikipedia

He shares Wolfe's love affair with memory and passionate hunger for experience without Wolfe's windy verbosity — or Wolfe's way, as Mr. Ebert puts it, of "uttering wild goat cries to the moon".

The New York Times - Books

Shoot for the moon".

The Guardian - Tech

We are not asking for the moon".

The New Yorker

"Always aim for the moon, I say.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "cry for the moon" to describe situations where someone is demanding something completely unrealistic or unattainable, adding a touch of poetic expression to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "cry for the moon" in literal contexts. It's not about actually crying for the moon, but about the futility of demanding something impossible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cry for the moon" functions as an idiomatic expression, acting as a noun phrase that describes a situation. It is used to express the act of demanding something that is impossible to obtain. Ludwig AI confirms its idiomatic nature and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cry for the moon" is an idiomatic expression used to describe someone asking for something impossible or unrealistic. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage, primarily in news and media contexts. While grammatically sound, it's essential to use it in situations where you want to emphasize the impracticality of a request. Remember, it is an expression that should not be used literally, and considering alternatives like "ask for the impossible" or "demand the unattainable" can add nuance to your writing. Use this phrase judiciously to enrich your expression and avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ask for the impossible

Focuses on the impossibility of the request.

demand the unattainable

Highlights the demanding nature of seeking something out of reach.

reach for the stars

Implies aiming high, possibly beyond realistic expectations, but with a positive connotation.

want the world on a string

Suggests a desire for complete control and possession, an exaggerated form of wanting something unrealistic.

set one's sights too high

Indicates aiming for goals that are likely unachievable.

desire the unobtainable

Emphasizes the yearning for something that cannot be acquired.

chase rainbows

Implies pursuing something illusory and ultimately disappointing.

grasp at straws

Suggests desperately seeking solutions or outcomes, often unrealistic ones.

wish for the stars

Implies unrealistic wishes that can not happen in the real world.

dream the impossible dream

Focuses on pursuing a dream that is difficult or nearly impossible to achieve.

FAQs

What does it mean to "cry for the moon"?

To "cry for the moon" means to ask for something that is impossible to obtain or unrealistic. It implies a futile desire for something out of reach.

How can I use "cry for the moon" in a sentence?

You might say, "He's always crying for the moon, wanting a promotion he hasn't earned."

What's a similar expression to "cry for the moon"?

Alternatives include "ask for the impossible" or "demand the unattainable".

Is "cry for the moon" a formal or informal expression?

"Cry for the moon" is generally considered an informal, idiomatic expression suitable for everyday conversation and less formal writing.