to cry for the moon
To desire something that is impossible or unattainable.
حرفيًا: to weep towards the moon
في 15 ثانية
- Wants something impossible.
- A dream that can't come true.
- Like asking for the moon itself.
- Use for unrealistic desires.
المعنى
هذه العبارة تعني أنك تتمنى شيئًا بعيد المنال تمامًا، مثل طلب المستحيل. إنها تحمل طابعًا حزينًا أو حتى سخيفًا بعض الشيء، وتشير إلى حلم جميل ولكنه في النهاية مجرد خيال. ستستخدمها عندما يكون لدى شخص ما هدف غير واقعي تمامًا.
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 12Texting a friend about a job posting
He wants to be the CEO of Google by next month? He's crying for the moon!
He wants to be the CEO of Google by next month? That's an impossible goal!
Instagram caption about a difficult goal
Trying to get my cat to stop shedding is like crying for the moon. #PetOwnerLife
Trying to get my cat to stop shedding is like wanting the impossible. #PetOwnerLife
Discussing a child's wish
She wants a pony for her birthday, but we live in a tiny apartment. She's crying for the moon.
She wants a pony for her birthday, but we live in a tiny apartment. That's an impossible wish.
خلفية ثقافية
The moon has always been a symbol of the unattainable, the mystical, and the romantically distant in many cultures. From ancient myths to modern poetry, it represents something beautiful yet beyond our grasp. This phrase taps into that deep-seated symbolism, making the desire for something impossible feel both grand and futile. It reflects a long history of human longing for things just out of reach.
The Moon's Allure
Think of the moon itself: beautiful, distant, and impossible to actually hold. That's the core feeling this idiom captures – a longing for something out of reach.
Ancient Longing
Humans have always looked at the moon with wonder. This phrase taps into that ancient human experience of dreaming about the unattainable, making it a universally understood metaphor.
في 15 ثانية
- Wants something impossible.
- A dream that can't come true.
- Like asking for the moon itself.
- Use for unrealistic desires.
What It Means
This idiom is all about wanting something you absolutely cannot have. Think of a baby crying because they want the moon itself – it's a sweet image, but completely impossible, right? That's the feeling. It's not just about wanting something difficult; it's about wanting something *impossible*. It often implies a bit of naivete or a lack of understanding about reality. You might feel a little sad or frustrated when you can't get what you want, but this phrase captures the *absurdity* of the desire itself. It’s like seeing someone try to catch the wind in a net – a noble effort, perhaps, but destined to fail.
Origin Story
The idea of wanting something as distant and untouchable as the moon is ancient. People have looked at the moon for millennia and associated it with mystery, magic, and unattainable beauty. The phrase likely evolved from this universal human experience of gazing at the sky and dreaming big. Early literature and folklore often featured characters who made impossible wishes or pursued unattainable lovers, much like reaching for the moon. It's a metaphor that's as old as humanity's fascination with the night sky. Imagine ancient storytellers pointing upwards, saying, "He wants that, he might as well be crying for the moon!" It’s a natural comparison that stuck.
How To Use It
You use to cry for the moon when someone expresses a desire for something completely unrealistic. It's often used to gently point out that their goal is impossible. You can say it directly to someone, or talk about someone else who is doing this. For example, "He wants to become a millionaire overnight without doing any work? He's crying for the moon." It's a way to express skepticism about the feasibility of a dream. Think of it as a gentle reality check, delivered with a touch of poetic imagery. It's not harsh, just descriptive of the situation.
Real-Life Examples
- My little brother wants a pet dragon. He's definitely crying for the moon.
- She thinks she can get a promotion to CEO by next week. That's crying for the moon, isn't it?
- He's trying to learn fluent Mandarin in a single weekend. Bless his heart, he's crying for the moon.
- They want to win the lottery every week. That's just crying for the moon.
- I'd love to have a personal chef and a masseuse on call 24/7, but I know I'm crying for the moon.
When To Use It
Use this phrase when someone has a goal that is literally impossible or so incredibly unlikely that it might as well be. It's perfect for situations where the desire is fantastical or extremely impractical. Think of wanting to fly without a plane, or wanting to turn lead into gold. It's also good for situations where someone has an overly optimistic and unrealistic expectation about a very difficult outcome. It's a way to acknowledge their ambition while highlighting its impossibility. It’s great for a bit of lighthearted commentary on someone’s wild dreams.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using to cry for the moon when someone has a difficult but achievable goal. If your friend wants to run a marathon, they aren't crying for the moon; they're training hard. Using it here would be discouraging and inaccurate. Also, don't use it in very formal or serious professional settings where you need to be direct and avoid figurative language. It can sound a bit dismissive if the goal, while hard, is genuinely important to the person. It's not the right phrase for constructive criticism about a realistic challenge.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using it for challenging tasks. Someone training for a tough exam isn't crying for the moon; they are studying diligently. The phrase is for the *impossible*, not just the *difficult*. Another error is applying it to situations where someone is simply being demanding or unreasonable, but the goal itself isn't inherently impossible. It's about the *unattainability* of the thing desired, not just the person's attitude.
✗ He wants to finish his PhD in one year. He's crying for the moon.
✓ He wants to finish his PhD in one year. That's an incredibly ambitious goal, but maybe not impossible.
Similar Expressions
- To ask for the impossible
- To reach for the stars (this can be positive, aiming high)
- To chase rainbows (similar, but often implies futility)
- To wish upon a star (more about hope, less about impossibility)
- To set your sights too high (focuses on ambition level)
Memory Trick
Picture a child standing outside at night, pointing up at the bright full moon, tears streaming down their face because they want it. They're literally trying to cry *for* the moon, as if their tears could somehow bring it closer. That visual of a child's impossible, tearful wish for the moon is the core of the idiom. It’s a vivid, slightly sad, but ultimately impossible scene. Remember the tears and the moon!
Quick FAQ
- What's the vibe? It's a bit wistful, maybe slightly humorous, definitely acknowledging impossibility.
- Is it always negative? Not necessarily. It can be a gentle way to point out an unrealistic dream.
- Can I use it for myself? Yes, if you acknowledge your own unrealistic desire.
ملاحظات الاستخدام
This idiom is firmly in the informal category, best used in casual conversation among friends or family. Avoid it in formal writing or professional settings. It specifically denotes a desire for something that is absolutely impossible, not just difficult or unlikely.
The Moon's Allure
Think of the moon itself: beautiful, distant, and impossible to actually hold. That's the core feeling this idiom captures – a longing for something out of reach.
Ancient Longing
Humans have always looked at the moon with wonder. This phrase taps into that ancient human experience of dreaming about the unattainable, making it a universally understood metaphor.
Don't Discourage!
Be careful not to use 'crying for the moon' for someone's challenging but achievable goals. It can sound dismissive. Reserve it for truly impossible situations.
Self-Awareness Check
You can even use this idiom about yourself! Saying 'I know I'm crying for the moon, but...' shows you're aware your goal is unrealistic, which can be humorous or self-deprecating.
أمثلة
12He wants to be the CEO of Google by next month? He's crying for the moon!
He wants to be the CEO of Google by next month? That's an impossible goal!
Used to express disbelief at the extreme unlikelihood of the goal.
Trying to get my cat to stop shedding is like crying for the moon. #PetOwnerLife
Trying to get my cat to stop shedding is like wanting the impossible. #PetOwnerLife
A relatable, slightly humorous exaggeration of a common pet owner struggle.
She wants a pony for her birthday, but we live in a tiny apartment. She's crying for the moon.
She wants a pony for her birthday, but we live in a tiny apartment. That's an impossible wish.
Highlights the impracticality and impossibility of the wish due to circumstances.
When I was young, I told my interviewer I wanted to be President by the time I was 30. He just smiled and said I was crying for the moon.
When I was young, I told my interviewer I wanted to be President by the time I was 30. He just smiled and said I was aiming impossibly high.
Recounting past unrealistic ambitions in a lighthearted way.
My neighbor wants to win the lottery every single week. Lol, he's crying for the moon.
My neighbor wants to win the lottery every single week. Lol, he's wishing for the impossible.
Casual, slightly mocking tone about someone's unrealistic expectations.
While ambition is good, expecting a senior management role with only six months of experience is essentially crying for the moon.
While ambition is good, expecting a senior management role with only six months of experience is essentially asking for the impossible.
Gently tempering unrealistic expectations in a professional context.
✗ He wants to climb Mount Everest without any training. He's crying for the moon.
✗ He wants to climb Mount Everest without any training. He's aiming impossibly high.
This is an error because climbing Everest without training is extremely dangerous and likely fatal, but the phrase implies *absolute* impossibility, not just extreme risk.
✗ My boss wants me to finish this report by tomorrow. I'm crying for the moon.
✗ My boss wants me to finish this report by tomorrow. That's a very tight deadline.
This is an error because the deadline is difficult, but not inherently impossible. The phrase is too strong here.
I used to think I could learn every language fluently in a year. Looking back, I was definitely crying for the moon.
I used to think I could learn every language fluently in a year. Looking back, I was definitely wishing for the impossible.
Self-deprecating reflection on past unrealistic goals.
The villain's plan to control the weather was classic 'crying for the moon' stuff.
The villain's plan to control the weather was classic 'asking for the impossible' stuff.
Used to describe a fictional plan that is completely beyond the realm of possibility.
You want to build a functioning teleportation device in your garage? Mate, you're crying for the moon.
You want to build a functioning teleportation device in your garage? Mate, you're aiming impossibly high.
Expressing strong skepticism about a highly futuristic and currently impossible technological goal.
After losing that competition, I felt like I was crying for the moon, wishing I could turn back time.
After losing that competition, I felt like I was wishing for the impossible, wanting to turn back time.
Expresses a deep sense of longing for something irrevocably lost or impossible to change.
اختبر نفسك
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
The sentence describes a desire that is impossible to achieve quickly without the necessary steps.
Choose the sentence that uses the idiom correctly.
Which sentence uses 'to cry for the moon' correctly?
Learning piano in one day is an impossible goal, fitting the idiom's meaning.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
While winning the lottery is unlikely, using 'crying for the moon' here sounds slightly off. It's better suited for describing someone else's impossible dream or a more fantastical scenario. Acknowledging a highly improbable event is better phrased differently.
Fill in the blank.
The context suggests a desire for something unrealistic and likely to lead to disappointment, fitting the meaning of the idiom.
Choose the sentence that uses the idiom correctly.
Which sentence correctly uses 'to cry for the moon'?
Traveling to Mars without a spaceship is a physically impossible feat, perfectly matching the idiom's meaning.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
While highly ambitious, becoming a singer isn't *inherently* impossible. 'Crying for the moon' implies absolute impossibility, making this usage slightly inaccurate. 'Being unrealistic' is a more precise fit.
Complete the sentence with the idiom.
A perpetual motion machine violates the laws of physics, making it an impossible concept, which is the core meaning of the idiom.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
This sentence is actually correct. Living forever, in a literal biological sense, is currently impossible for humans. The speaker is arguing that this desire isn't simply a foolish, impossible wish, but perhaps a deeper philosophical inquiry. Therefore, the idiom is used correctly to counter a potential misinterpretation.
Put the words in the correct order to form a sentence using the idiom.
This is a simple sentence structure using the idiom 'crying for the moon'.
Translate the sentence into English using the idiom.
The French sentence describes an impossible desire, which is perfectly captured by the English idiom 'crying for the moon'.
Choose the sentence that uses the idiom most appropriately.
Which sentence best illustrates the meaning of 'to cry for the moon'?
Flying by flapping arms is biologically and physically impossible, fitting the idiom's core meaning of absolute unattainability. The other options describe difficult or unlikely scenarios, but not absolute impossibility.
Unscramble the words to form a sentence using the idiom.
This sentence uses the idiom to state that the idea of flying without assistance is an impossible dream.
🎉 النتيجة: /12
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Formality Spectrum for 'to cry for the moon'
Used in casual chat with close friends, texting, social media comments.
He wants to be a millionaire by 20? Lol, he's crying for the moon!
Standard casual conversation, friendly emails, lighthearted discussions.
Wanting to finish that huge project in one day is like crying for the moon.
Rarely used in neutral contexts; might appear in informal storytelling.
His childhood dream was to fly, a classic case of crying for the moon.
Not typically used in formal settings like business reports or academic papers.
N/A
When You Might Hear 'to cry for the moon'
Friend discussing a lottery win fantasy
Winning every week? You're crying for the moon!
Parent talking about a child's impossible toy wish
A pet unicorn for Christmas? That's crying for the moon.
Colleague commenting on an overly ambitious career goal
CEO in six months? He's crying for the moon.
Social media comment on a fantastical movie plot
Villain wants to steal the sun? Classic crying for the moon.
Humorous self-reflection on past dreams
Thinking I could learn Japanese in a week... I was crying for the moon.
Discussing science fiction concepts
Instant teleportation? That's crying for the moon for now.
Comparing 'to cry for the moon' with Similar Phrases
Contexts for 'to cry for the moon'
Fantasy & Fiction
- • Magic spells
- • Superhero powers
- • Fairy tales
Science & Technology
- • Impossible inventions
- • Violating laws of physics
- • Future tech dreams
Personal Goals
- • Unrealistic career paths
- • Instant success desires
- • Fantastical lifestyle wishes
Humorous Exaggeration
- • Relatable impossible chores
- • Over-the-top complaints
- • Silly life goals
بنك التمارين
12 تمارينHe wants to become a famous movie star overnight without any acting experience. He's really ___.
The sentence describes a desire that is impossible to achieve quickly without the necessary steps.
Which sentence uses 'to cry for the moon' correctly?
Learning piano in one day is an impossible goal, fitting the idiom's meaning.
اعثر على الخطأ وأصلحه:
I want to win the lottery next week, but I know I am crying for the moon.
While winning the lottery is unlikely, using 'crying for the moon' here sounds slightly off. It's better suited for describing someone else's impossible dream or a more fantastical scenario. Acknowledging a highly improbable event is better phrased differently.
He thinks he can get rich quick by investing in a scam; he's truly ___.
The context suggests a desire for something unrealistic and likely to lead to disappointment, fitting the meaning of the idiom.
Which sentence correctly uses 'to cry for the moon'?
Traveling to Mars without a spaceship is a physically impossible feat, perfectly matching the idiom's meaning.
اعثر على الخطأ وأصلحه:
She wants to become a famous singer after just one singing lesson, so she is crying for the moon.
While highly ambitious, becoming a singer isn't *inherently* impossible. 'Crying for the moon' implies absolute impossibility, making this usage slightly inaccurate. 'Being unrealistic' is a more precise fit.
His plan to build a perpetual motion machine is, quite frankly, ___.
A perpetual motion machine violates the laws of physics, making it an impossible concept, which is the core meaning of the idiom.
اعثر على الخطأ وأصلحه:
Wanting to live forever is not crying for the moon; it's a philosophical question.
This sentence is actually correct. Living forever, in a literal biological sense, is currently impossible for humans. The speaker is arguing that this desire isn't simply a foolish, impossible wish, but perhaps a deeper philosophical inquiry. Therefore, the idiom is used correctly to counter a potential misinterpretation.
رتّب الكلمات بالترتيب الصحيح:
انقر على الكلمات أعلاه لبناء الجملة
This is a simple sentence structure using the idiom 'crying for the moon'.
Il veut devenir riche sans travailler, c'est impossible.
تلميحات: Think about what 'impossible' means in English idiom., The phrase relates to wanting something unattainable.
The French sentence describes an impossible desire, which is perfectly captured by the English idiom 'crying for the moon'.
Which sentence best illustrates the meaning of 'to cry for the moon'?
Flying by flapping arms is biologically and physically impossible, fitting the idiom's core meaning of absolute unattainability. The other options describe difficult or unlikely scenarios, but not absolute impossibility.
رتّب الكلمات بالترتيب الصحيح:
انقر على الكلمات أعلاه لبناء الجملة
This sentence uses the idiom to state that the idea of flying without assistance is an impossible dream.
🎉 النتيجة: /12
دروس فيديو
ابحث عن دروس فيديو على يوتيوب لهذه العبارة.
الأسئلة الشائعة
18 أسئلةIt means to desire something that is completely impossible to get or achieve. Think of a child wanting the actual moon – it's a beautiful wish, but utterly unattainable in reality. The phrase captures that sense of impossible longing.
Not necessarily negative, but it definitely points out the impossibility of a desire. It can be used humorously to describe unrealistic dreams, or sometimes with a touch of wistfulness. It's rarely used for practical goals.
Absolutely! You can say, 'I know I'm crying for the moon, but I wish I could fly.' This shows self-awareness and can be a funny or humble way to admit your desire is unrealistic.
You'd use it when someone wants something fantastical (like a pet dragon), has an incredibly unrealistic career goal (like becoming CEO overnight), or wishes for something that defies the laws of nature or physics.
It's generally considered informal. While you might use it in a very casual chat with a colleague about an outlandish idea, avoid it in formal reports, presentations, or serious business emails where clarity and professionalism are key.
This phrase is quite informal. It's best suited for conversations with friends, family, or in relaxed online contexts. Using it in a formal setting would likely sound out of place or unprofessional.
While 'to cry for the moon' is the standard, you might hear variations like 'asking for the moon' or simply describing someone as 'wanting the moon.' The core idea of impossibility remains consistent across these slight differences.
'Reaching for the stars' usually implies having very high, ambitious goals that are difficult but potentially achievable with great effort. 'Crying for the moon,' however, signifies desires that are fundamentally impossible.
It's similar in that both imply pursuing something unattainable. However, 'chasing rainbows' often suggests futility and a lack of realistic expectation, while 'crying for the moon' emphasizes the sheer impossibility of the object of desire itself.
The phrase likely stems from the ancient human fascination with the moon as a symbol of distance, beauty, and unattainability. Throughout history, the moon has represented things beyond human reach, making it a natural metaphor for impossible desires.
No, the phase of the moon has no bearing on the idiom's meaning. Whether it's a full moon, crescent, or new moon, the phrase consistently refers to an impossible wish or desire.
The word 'cry' adds an emotional layer, suggesting a deep, perhaps childlike longing or desperation for the impossible thing. It emphasizes the intensity of the unattainable desire, making the image more poignant.
A common mistake is using it for goals that are merely difficult or challenging, rather than truly impossible. For example, saying 'I'm crying for the moon to finish this marathon' is incorrect; it's just very hard work.
Yes, saying 'My boss wants me to work late tonight, I'm crying for the moon' is a misuse. While undesirable, working late isn't impossible. It's better described as a difficult or demanding request, not an unattainable one.
You could potentially use 'crying for the moon' if the odds are astronomically low, like winning the lottery multiple times. However, it leans towards absolute impossibility. For extreme unlikelihood, phrases like 'highly improbable' might be more precise.
While the moon features heavily in astrology and myths, the idiom itself doesn't require specific knowledge of those. It relies on the general, widespread cultural perception of the moon as distant and unreachable.
Definitely! You could sarcastically say, 'Oh yes, I'm sure you'll finish that report by tomorrow morning,' implying they're 'crying for the moon' because it's so unlikely.
The vibe is usually one of gentle skepticism, mild amusement, or sometimes a touch of wistful acknowledgment of impossibility. It's rarely harsh or overly critical.
عبارات ذات صلة
to chase rainbows
synonymTo pursue unrealistic or illusory goals.
Both phrases describe pursuing goals that are unlikely or impossible to achieve, though 'chasing rainbows' might imply more futility.
to reach for the stars
related topicTo aim very high; to have ambitious goals.
This phrase is related because it also deals with ambition, but unlike 'crying for the moon,' it often carries a positive connotation of striving for difficult but potentially attainable success.
to ask for the impossible
synonymTo request something that cannot be done or given.
This is a very direct and literal alternative to 'to cry for the moon,' lacking the idiomatic flavor but conveying the same core meaning.
a tall order
related topicA difficult task or request.
This phrase describes something that is very difficult to accomplish, whereas 'crying for the moon' implies something that is fundamentally impossible.
to set your sights high
related topicTo have ambitious goals or expectations.
Similar to 'reaching for the stars,' this phrase focuses on ambition, contrasting with 'crying for the moon' which focuses on absolute impossibility.
pipe dream
synonymAn unrealistic hope or plan.
A 'pipe dream' is an idea or plan that is unlikely to happen, much like something one might 'cry for the moon' over.
