hue and cry
Originally a medieval legal practice, 'hue and cry' now often refers to a public outcry or protest.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
B2Modern Usage
(idiomatic, informal)A loud public expression of anger or protest.
Example
- There was a hue and cry over the new tax regulations.
- The company's decision to cut jobs caused a hue and cry among the employees.
C1Historical Legal Context
(historical, legal)A medieval process where bystanders were summoned to help apprehend a witnessed criminal, involving loud shouts and pursuit.
Example
- In medieval times, a hue and cry would be raised to capture thieves.
- The villagers joined the hue and cry to chase down the bandits.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "hue and cry":