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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 14, 2026

I have a dog and am very respectful of others’ plants, trees and grass, but for crying out loud let my dog be the dog she is!

From Seattle Times • May 5, 2024

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

From Slate • Jan. 3, 2024

And for crying out loud, bunch your commercials together at the start or finish of a car chase, the way public television thanks its sponsors.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 25, 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