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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]


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

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

She has a new podcast, for crying out loud.

From Los Angeles Times Feb. 21, 2023

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

Give them some privacy, for crying out loud.

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith

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