for crying out loud

Idioms  

1. An exclamation of anger or exasperation, as in For crying out loud, can't you do anything right? This term is a euphemism for “for Christ's sake.” [Colloquial; early 1900s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

for crying out loud

She even cast the Roy family in “Succession,” for crying out loud.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 11, 2026

I’m 44 years old, for crying out loud.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 14, 2026

I’m 45 years old, for crying out loud, shouldn’t I be more … stable and responsible?

From Slate ● Jan. 3, 2024

We see Oprah enthusiastically introduce him, for crying out loud – but then, she did the same for Dr. Oz, Dr. Phil and other fools and con men she probably regrets platforming.

From Salon ● Jan. 8, 2023

As if reading Brian’s mind, Leon whispered “Renault . . . Renault . . .” Like a mad scientist plotting revenge in an underground laboratory, for crying out loud.

From "The Chocolate War" by Robert Cormier