Crying is something we all do when we feel sad, hurt, or even really happy. It can help us let out strong feelings that we don’t always know how to say. Sometimes, we cry when we feel alone. Other times, we cry when something touches our hearts. People use similes to describe crying in different ways. A simile compares two things using words like “as” or “like.” These comparisons can help paint a picture of how someone feels when they cry.
In this article, we will learn about many similes people use to talk about crying. These similes will help you understand how crying can feel in many different moments. You’ll also see how people use simple comparisons to show feelings in a way that is easy to imagine. Let’s explore how crying is described with words that are easy to picture and understand.
Similes About Crying
1. Crying like a baby
Meaning: Crying loudly and without control
Example Sentence:
– After falling off his bike, he cried like a baby.
– She cried like a baby during the sad movie.
Other ways to say: Weeping loudly, bawling
Fun Fact/Origin: Babies cry to show they need something, so this simile means someone is really upset.
Usage: Used when someone cries hard, like a small child.
2. Tears falling like rain
Meaning: Crying a lot, with many tears
Example Sentence:
– His tears fell like rain after his dog ran away.
– She sat quietly, with tears falling like rain.
Other ways to say: Weeping heavily, crying nonstop
Fun Fact/Origin: This simile comes from the way rain falls—steady and strong.
Usage: Used when someone cries so much it feels endless.
3. Crying like a storm
Meaning: Showing strong and loud sadness
Example Sentence:
– He cried like a storm after losing the game.
– Her sobs were loud, like a storm outside.
Other ways to say: Sobbing hard, breaking down
Fun Fact/Origin: Storms are wild and loud, like crying that comes from deep pain.
Usage: Describes very emotional, loud crying.
4. Tears like rivers
Meaning: Crying with lots of tears
Example Sentence:
– Tears ran down her face like rivers.
– He had tears like rivers after the sad goodbye.
Other ways to say: Tearful, flooding with emotion
Fun Fact/Origin: Rivers are big and always flowing, like heavy crying.
Usage: Used when someone’s face is full of tears.
5. Crying like the sky is falling
Meaning: Crying as if something really bad has happened
Example Sentence:
– She screamed and cried like the sky was falling.
– He cried like the sky was falling when his team lost.
Other ways to say: Extremely upset, breaking down
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase “the sky is falling” comes from an old story about panic.
Usage: Describes over-the-top, dramatic crying.
6. Crying like a broken heart
Meaning: Crying from deep sadness
Example Sentence:
– She cried like a broken heart when her best friend moved away.
– His tears came from a broken heart.
Other ways to say: Heartbroken, weeping
Fun Fact/Origin: A “broken heart” is a common way to describe deep emotional pain.
Usage: Used when someone is sad because of love or loss.
7. Crying like a faucet turned on
Meaning: Crying without stopping
Example Sentence:
– His eyes were like a faucet turned on.
– She couldn’t stop crying—it was like a running faucet.
Other ways to say: Crying nonstop, tears pouring
Fun Fact/Origin: A faucet that is open pours out water, just like heavy tears.
Usage: Describes crying that doesn’t slow down.
8. Crying like a cat in the rain
Meaning: Sad and helpless crying
Example Sentence:
– The child cried like a cat in the rain, cold and alone.
– He felt small, crying like a wet cat.
Other ways to say: Helpless sobbing, pitiful crying
Fun Fact/Origin: Cats often hate getting wet and make loud noises when they do.
Usage: Used when someone feels both sad and alone.
9. Crying like a ghost in the night
Meaning: Quiet, spooky crying
Example Sentence:
– Her soft crying was like a ghost in the night.
– He cried alone, sounding like a ghost.
Other ways to say: Soft sobbing, eerie weeping
Fun Fact/Origin: Ghosts are often imagined as crying or moaning in the dark.
Usage: Used when crying is soft, lonely, or sad.
10. Crying like a howling wind
Meaning: Crying loudly and sadly
Example Sentence:
– The baby cried like a howling wind through the house.
– His tears came with a howl, like the wind.
Other ways to say: Wailing, loud sobbing
Fun Fact/Origin: Wind that howls is often used to show strong emotions.
Usage: Used when crying is loud and filled with pain.
11. Crying like thunder
Meaning: Very loud and sudden crying
Example Sentence:
– His cry was sudden, like thunder crashing.
– She cried out like thunder in the quiet room.
Other ways to say: Yelling in tears, sobbing out loud
Fun Fact/Origin: Thunder is loud and powerful, just like a strong burst of crying.
Usage: Describes a sudden, loud cry.
12. Crying like leaves in the wind
Meaning: Shaky, gentle crying
Example Sentence:
– Her tears fell softly, like leaves in the wind.
– He trembled and cried like a leaf blowing away.
Other ways to say: Soft weeping, tearful and shaky
Fun Fact/Origin: Leaves are light and move easily—like tears on a soft face.
Usage: Used for gentle, sad crying.
13. Crying like a cracked bell
Meaning: Crying with a broken, shaky voice
Example Sentence:
– His voice cracked as he cried, like a broken bell.
– She cried out, her voice sounding like a cracked bell.
Other ways to say: Shaky voice, broken sobs
Fun Fact/Origin: A cracked bell doesn’t sound clear, just like a tearful voice.
Usage: Used when a person’s crying affects how they sound.
14. Crying like a broken song
Meaning: Crying while trying to speak or sing
Example Sentence:
– Her tears made her voice sound like a broken song.
– He cried while talking, like a sad song breaking.
Other ways to say: Tearful speech, voice breaking
Fun Fact/Origin: Songs that break sound sad and hard to follow.
Usage: Used when crying affects how someone talks or sings.
15. Crying like glass shattering
Meaning: Crying from deep hurt or surprise
Example Sentence:
– Her cry felt sharp, like glass breaking.
– He broke into tears like shattered glass.
Other ways to say: Sharp pain, sudden crying
Fun Fact/Origin: Glass breaking is sudden and loud, like some cries.
Usage: Used for crying caused by shock or strong pain.
16. Crying like waves crashing
Meaning: Crying that comes in bursts
Example Sentence:
– He cried like waves hitting the shore—again and again.
– Her tears came like crashing waves.
Other ways to say: Bursting into tears, wave-like sobs
Fun Fact/Origin: Waves come strong and then fade—like some crying.
Usage: Describes crying that rises and falls in strength.
17. Crying like a wilted flower
Meaning: Quiet crying from feeling tired or sad
Example Sentence:
– She looked down, crying like a wilted flower.
– His tears fell slowly, like petals dropping.
Other ways to say: Silent sadness, gentle tears
Fun Fact/Origin: A flower that droops looks tired and sad.
Usage: Used when someone feels weak or tired from sadness.
18. Crying like a balloon letting out air
Meaning: Crying while losing all energy
Example Sentence:
– He cried like a balloon slowly letting out air.
– She felt empty, crying as if everything was going out.
Other ways to say: Weary crying, slow sobbing
Fun Fact/Origin: Balloons lose shape when deflated—like tired emotions.
Usage: Used when crying leaves someone feeling drained.
19. Crying like a snowflake melting
Meaning: Gentle and slow crying
Example Sentence:
– Her tears were soft, like snowflakes melting.
– He cried like a snowflake that disappeared.
Other ways to say: Soft tears, silent sadness
Fun Fact/Origin: Snowflakes melt quietly and slowly, like gentle tears.
Usage: Used for slow, soft crying.
20. Crying like the end of a movie
Meaning: Crying during touching or sad moments
Example Sentence:
– She cried like it was the end of a touching movie.
– He wiped his tears, just like at the end of a film.
Other ways to say: Emotional tears, movie-like crying
Fun Fact/Origin: Movies often make people cry during sad endings.
Usage: Describes crying from emotion or stories.
21. Crying like a cold wind
Meaning: Crying that feels sharp and sudden
Example Sentence:
– Her tears hit like a cold wind on her face.
– He cried in the night, like a sudden wind.
Other ways to say: Sharp sadness, quick crying
Fun Fact/Origin: A cold wind can surprise you, like fast tears.
Usage: Used when tears come quickly and sting.
22. Crying like a fallen tree
Meaning: Crying after a big fall or loss
Example Sentence:
– He felt heavy and cried like a fallen tree.
– She broke down, crying like something had collapsed.
Other ways to say: Deep sorrow, emotional collapse
Fun Fact/Origin: A fallen tree is large and sudden—like heavy sadness.
Usage: Describes crying after a big moment or change.
23. Crying like spilled milk
Meaning: Crying over a small mistake
Example Sentence:
– He cried like it was spilled milk, even though it was tiny.
– She cried over a dropped toy, like it was a big loss.
Other ways to say: Overreacting, sad about small things
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the saying “Don’t cry over spilled milk.”
Usage: Used when someone cries over small accidents.
24. Crying like a cracked egg
Meaning: Crying when feeling weak or broken
Example Sentence:
– His feelings cracked, and he cried like a broken egg.
– She sat down, crying like she couldn’t hold it together.
Other ways to say: Feeling broken, emotional crack
Fun Fact/Origin: Eggs break easily, just like emotions sometimes.
Usage: Describes someone falling apart emotionally.
25. Crying like an echo in a cave
Meaning: Crying that feels lonely or goes unheard
Example Sentence:
– Her cries echoed like sounds in a cave.
– He cried in his room, alone like an echo.
Other ways to say: Silent crying, lonely tears
Fun Fact/Origin: Echoes in caves sound far away—like lonely cries.
Usage: Used when someone cries alone.
26. Crying like a wolf at night
Meaning: Crying loudly and sadly, often alone
Example Sentence:
– He cried like a wolf howling in the dark.
– Her cries echoed like a lonely wolf.
Other ways to say: Howling, wailing alone
Fun Fact/Origin: Wolves howl to call out—they sound sad and alone.
Usage: Used for crying that feels lonely and loud.
27. Crying like a squeezed sponge
Meaning: Letting out all the feelings, like draining tears
Example Sentence:
– She cried like all her feelings were being squeezed out.
– He was like a sponge, pouring out all his tears.
Other ways to say: Letting it all out, drained
Fun Fact/Origin: A sponge gives out water when squeezed—like crying out feelings.
Usage: Used when someone cries until they have no tears left.
28. Crying like fog rolling in
Meaning: Quiet tears that come slowly and fill up
Example Sentence:
– Her sadness came in quietly, like fog rolling in.
– He didn’t say much, but the tears came like fog.
Other ways to say: Slow sadness, soft emotion
Fun Fact/Origin: Fog moves quietly and fills space, just like gentle tears.
Usage: Describes slow, creeping sadness.
29. Crying like a wilted leaf
Meaning: Feeling weak and crying softly
Example Sentence:
– He bent down and cried like a wilted leaf.
– Her voice trembled as she cried like a dried leaf.
Other ways to say: Weak sobs, fading tears
Fun Fact/Origin: Wilted leaves droop and fall, showing quiet sadness.
Usage: Used for tired, quiet crying.
30. Crying like broken glass underfoot
Meaning: Sharp and painful crying
Example Sentence:
– Her sobs were sharp, like stepping on broken glass.
– He cried out like pain was cutting through him.
Other ways to say: Painful emotion, raw sadness
Fun Fact/Origin: Stepping on glass hurts deeply—like some emotions.
Usage: Used when crying feels full of pain.
31. Crying like a slow leak
Meaning: Crying in small, quiet amounts over time
Example Sentence:
– He cried a little at a time, like a slow leak.
– Her tears didn’t stop—they just kept coming slowly.
Other ways to say: Long sadness, quiet crying
Fun Fact/Origin: A slow leak shows something is hurting bit by bit.
Usage: Used when crying is soft but lasts long.
32. Crying like a shadow in the corner
Meaning: Crying quietly in a lonely or hidden place
Example Sentence:
– She sat in the corner, crying like a shadow.
– No one saw him cry like a hidden shadow.
Other ways to say: Quiet sobs, unnoticed tears
Fun Fact/Origin: Shadows are quiet and hidden—like someone crying alone.
Usage: Used for private, unseen crying.
33. Crying like a candle melting
Meaning: Slowly breaking down with tears
Example Sentence:
– She cried like a candle, melting a little more with each tear.
– He sat still, crying like a soft, melting candle.
Other ways to say: Soft breakdown, slow sorrow
Fun Fact/Origin: Candles melt slowly, just like people who cry over time.
Usage: Used when someone is quietly falling apart from sadness.
Quiz: Similes About Crying
Instructions: Read each question and the answer choices carefully. Pick the letter that best matches the meaning of the phrase or expression.
Question Key
1. What does “crying like a baby” mean?
A) Crying in a quiet and slow way
B) Crying loudly and without control
C) Crying because of a small joke
2. If someone’s “tears fall like rain,” what does it mean?
A) They are crying just a little
B) They are crying very quickly
C) They are crying a lot
3. What does it mean if a person is “crying like a storm”?
A) Crying with strong and loud emotions
B) Crying while laughing
C) Crying in a playful way
4. If someone is “crying like a faucet turned on,” what is happening?
A) They can’t cry at all
B) Their tears are flowing nonstop
C) They are acting silly
5. When someone is “crying like a cracked bell,” what does it mean?
A) Their voice is strong and clear
B) Their crying sounds shaky and broken
C) They are singing loudly
6. What does “crying like glass shattering” mean?
A) Crying in a sharp and painful way
B) Crying from laughter
C) Crying only on holidays
7. What does it mean if someone is “crying like a wolf at night”?
A) They are whispering while sad
B) They are crying loudly and alone
C) They are playing a game
8. If someone is “crying like spilled milk,” what are they doing?
A) Crying over a big problem
B) Crying over something small
C) Not crying at all
9. What does it mean to “cry like waves crashing”?
A) Crying in short, quiet bursts
B) Crying in a pattern, with strong and soft moments
C) Crying while swimming
10. If a person is “crying like a balloon letting out air,” what does it describe?
A) Crying while bouncing around
B) Crying while losing all energy
C) Crying in a silly way
11. “Crying like a snowflake melting” means:
A) Very soft and slow crying
B) Crying that is hot and fast
C) Crying with laughter
12. What does “crying like a wilted flower” describe?
A) Crying and getting stronger
B) Crying gently and sadly from weakness
C) Crying loudly and with power
13. If someone is “crying like a candle melting,” what does it mean?
A) They are getting brighter while crying
B) They are slowly breaking down with each tear
C) They are shining with joy
Answer Key
- B) Crying loudly and without control
- C) They are crying a lot
- A) Crying with strong and loud emotions
- B) Their tears are flowing nonstop
- B) Their crying sounds shaky and broken
- A) Crying in a sharp and painful way
- B) They are crying loudly and alone
- B) Crying over something small
- B) Crying in a pattern, with strong and soft moments
- B) Crying while losing all energy
- A) Very soft and slow crying
- B) Crying gently and sadly from weakness
- B) They are slowly breaking down with each tear
Wrapping Up
Similes help us understand emotions in a simple way. Crying is something everyone feels at some point. By using similes, we can picture how it feels and explain it clearly. Whether it’s crying like rain or like a wolf at night, these similes help turn feelings into images we can understand.
