crying towel

Idioms  

1. A figurative towel for wiping the tears of a self-pitying individual. For example, So you didn't make the first team? Get out the crying towel. This expression is always used sarcastically. [Slang; 1920s]

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Example Sentences

I found that there was smog memorabilia to be collected, and so I did, like a smog crying towel, and “genuine” canned L.A. smog — “Breathe the air the movie stars breathe!” was the promise on one Technicolor label.

From Los Angeles Times

The crying towel for his grand departure was a corporate souvenir, a sign of the times.

From New York Times

I am a crying towel, but thank God I can do that.

From Time Magazine Archive

Before the game, Parseghian, who practically invented the crying towel, acted as though he could not possibly understand why his Fighting Irish were two-touchdown favorites.

From Time Magazine Archive

No, Chet; it isn't enough to beat you—if you just throw away that crying towel and start fighting.

From Project Gutenberg