30 Metaphors for Crying + Quiz


Metaphors have this incredible ability to capture emotions in a unique and powerful way, don’t they? They paint vivid pictures in our minds, often more effectively than straightforward descriptions.

Today, we’re going to explore some of the most evocative metaphors for crying. Whether you’re a writer looking to add depth to your characters’ emotions, or just someone who loves the beauty of language, this journey is for you!

metaphors for crying

What is a Metaphor for Crying

Before we jump into our list, let’s get a bit of context. A metaphor for crying is a figure of speech that describes the act of crying in a way that goes beyond the literal.

Itโ€™s not just about shedding tears; itโ€™s about conveying the depth and breadth of the emotions behind those tears. These metaphors can be powerful tools in storytelling, poetry, and everyday language, allowing us to express complex feelings in a relatable and often beautiful way.


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Created by Dr. Julia Rossi

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Identify the simile in the following sentence: “She swims like a fish.”

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Which of the following is a metaphor?

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“Out of the frying pan into the fire” is an example of:

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The abbreviation “NASA” stands for:

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MetaphorMeaningExample Sentence
Tears flowed like a riverOverwhelming, continuous flow of emotions“After hearing the news, her tears flowed like a river.”
Her eyes were a waterfallIntense, possibly sudden outpouring of emotions“In the quiet of the night, her eyes were a waterfall.”
Crying like a broken heartDeep sadness often associated with heartbreak“He sat alone, crying like a broken heart.”
He wept like a stormTurbulent, powerful release of emotions“In his moment of despair, he wept like a storm.”
Tears fell like raindropsGentle but steady flow of tears“Her tears fell like raindrops, mirroring the gloomy weather.”
Sobbing like a wounded animalRaw, primal release of pain and suffering“He was sobbing like a wounded animal.”
She shed tears like a willow treeGraceful, continuous flow of tears“She shed tears like a willow tree, each one a whisper.”
Crying like a babyUninhibited, often loud and uncontrollable crying“He found himself crying like a baby, unable to articulate.”
His eyes were a faucet of sorrowContinuous and abundant flow of tears“His eyes became a faucet of sorrow, revealing his pain.”
Tears like glass beadsPrecious, clear, and reflective tears“Her tears sparkled like glass beads, each capturing a moment.”
She wept like a broken damSudden and overwhelming release of emotions“She wept like a broken dam, emotions flooding out.”
Crying like a thunderstormIntense and possibly loud crying, full of emotional turmoil“She was crying like a thunderstorm, fierce as the rain.”
Tears welled up like a springNatural, unexpected rise of emotions“Tears welled up like a spring, filled with nostalgia.”
Sobbing like a mournful melodyRhythm or beauty in the expression of grief“Sobbing like a mournful melody, each sob a note of sorrow.”
His eyes were a fountain of griefDeep, continuous source of sorrow“His eyes were a fountain of grief, unceasing and profound.”
Tears dripped like dewdropsDelicate, small tears, like gentle dew“Her tears dripped like dewdrops, silent witnesses.”
Crying like a torrential downpourIntense, overwhelming, all-encompassing crying“She was crying like a torrential downpour, relentless.”
She wept like a waterfall in the nightHidden, yet powerful display of emotion“She wept like a waterfall in the night, unseen but felt.”
Tears flowed like a never-ending streamConstant, unending expression of sadness“Her tears flowed like a never-ending stream, a testament.”
Sobbing like a tidal wave of emotionPowerful, overwhelming surge of feelings“Sobbing like a tidal wave of emotion, unable to hold back.”
Her eyes were a wellspring of sadnessDeep, inexhaustible source of sorrow“Her eyes were a wellspring of sadness, years of hurt brimming.”
Crying like a heavy rainstormIntensity and heaviness of a rainstorm“She was crying like a heavy rainstorm, tears mirroring tumult.”
Tears like silver threadsDelicate, shimmering threads of tears“Her tears were like silver threads, weaving sorrow.”
He wept like a weeping willowDeep, mournful, and elegant expression of sadness“He wept like a weeping willow, his grief deep.”
Tears fell like a gentle drizzleSoft, continuous, calming flow of tears“Her tears fell like a gentle drizzle, soothing her heart.”
Sobbing like a distant thunderRumbling, deep, foreboding expression of grief“His sobs echoed like distant thunder, signaling sorrow.”
Crying like a monsoonIntense, overwhelming, seasonal outburst of emotion“She was crying like a monsoon, her tears as relentless.”
Tears streamed down like a river of painStrong, continuous flow of tears driven by deep hurt“Tears streamed down like a river of pain, a testament to love.”
She wept like a summer showerBrief, yet intense outpouring of emotion“She wept like a summer shower, her tears fleeting and intense.”
His eyes were a reservoir of tearsHolding a deep, constant reserve of sorrow“His eyes were a reservoir of tears, filled with memories.”

Crying is like a rainstorm for the soul, releasing pent-up emotions drop by drop. You can discover more comparisons like this in a list of similes for crying here: Similes for Crying. And when it comes to expressions about crying and the various reasons, feelings, and reactions associated with shedding tears, there are idioms that capture the depth and significance of this emotional response, which you can explore in this collection: Idioms for Crying.

Metaphors for Crying

1. Tears flowed like a river

  • Meaning: This metaphor suggests an overwhelming and continuous flow of emotions.
  • In a Sentence: “After hearing the news, her tears flowed like a river, unstoppable and full of sorrow.”

2. Her eyes were a waterfall

  • Meaning: This indicates an intense and possibly sudden outpouring of emotions.
  • In a Sentence: “In the quiet of the night, her eyes were a waterfall, reflecting the pain she had kept hidden.”

3. Crying like a broken heart

  • Meaning: This metaphor highlights the deep, aching sadness often associated with heartbreak.
  • In a Sentence: “He sat alone, crying like a broken heart, as memories flooded his mind.”

4. He wept like a storm

  • Meaning: This suggests a turbulent, powerful release of emotions, much like a storm.
  • In a Sentence: “In his moment of despair, he wept like a storm, letting his emotions rage.”

5. Tears fell like raindrops

  • Meaning: This metaphor compares tears to raindrops, implying a gentle but steady flow.
  • In a Sentence: “Sitting by the window, her tears fell like raindrops, mirroring the gloomy weather.”

6. Sobbing like a wounded animal

  • Meaning: This expresses a raw, primal release of pain and suffering.
  • In a Sentence: “Lost in his grief, he was sobbing like a wounded animal, unable to contain his anguish.”

7. She shed tears like a willow tree

  • Meaning: This metaphor conveys a graceful, continuous flow of tears, reminiscent of a willow’s draping branches.
  • In a Sentence: “In the solitude of her room, she shed tears like a willow tree, each one a whisper of her inner turmoil.”

8. Crying like a baby

  • Meaning: This is a common metaphor indicating uninhibited, often loud and uncontrollable crying.
  • In a Sentence: “Overwhelmed by frustration, he found himself crying like a baby, unable to articulate his feelings.”

9. His eyes were a faucet of sorrow

  • Meaning: This suggests a continuous and abundant flow of tears driven by deep sadness.
  • In a Sentence: “As he recounted his story, his eyes became a faucet of sorrow, revealing the depth of his pain.”

10. Tears like glass beads

  • Meaning: This metaphor likens tears to glass beads, suggesting they are precious, clear, and reflective.
  • In a Sentence: “Under the moonlight, her tears sparkled like glass beads, each one capturing a moment of her sadness.”

11. She wept like a broken dam

  • Meaning: This indicates a sudden and overwhelming release of emotions, akin to a dam bursting.
  • In a Sentence: “Holding back for so long, she finally wept like a broken dam, her emotions flooding out.”

12. Crying like a thunderstorm

  • Meaning: This metaphor paints a picture of intense and possibly loud crying, full of emotional turmoil.
  • In a Sentence: “In the midst of the argument, she was crying like a thunderstorm, her tears as fierce as the rain.”

13. Tears welled up like a spring

  • Meaning: This suggests a natural, perhaps unexpected, rise of emotions, much like water springing from the earth.
  • In a Sentence: “Seeing her old home, tears welled up like a spring, filled with nostalgia and longing.”

14. Sobbing like a mournful melody

  • Meaning: This metaphor compares crying to a sad song, suggesting a rhythm or beauty in the expression of grief.
  • In a Sentence: “Alone with her thoughts, she was sobbing like a mournful melody, each sob a note in her song of sorrow.”

15. His eyes were a fountain of grief

  • Meaning: This indicates a deep, continuous source of sorrow, manifesting as tears.
  • In a Sentence: “In the wake of the tragedy, his eyes were a fountain of grief, unceasing and profound.”

16. Tears dripped like dewdrops

  • Meaning: This metaphor suggests delicate, small tears, similar to the gentle formation of dew.
  • In a Sentence: “As dawn broke, her tears dripped like dewdrops, silent witnesses to her quiet despair.”

17. Crying like a torrential downpour

  • Meaning: This compares intense crying to a heavy rainstorm, overwhelming and all-encompassing.
  • In a Sentence: “Caught in a wave of emotion, she was crying like a torrential downpour, relentless and all-consuming.”

18. She wept like a waterfall in the night

  • Meaning: This metaphor suggests a hidden, yet powerful display of emotion, much like a waterfall in the darkness.
  • In a Sentence: “In the shadows of her room, she wept like a waterfall in the night, her pain unseen but felt deeply.”

19. Tears flowed like a never-ending stream

  • Meaning: This indicates a constant, unending expression of sadness.
  • In a Sentence: “Overcome by loss, her tears flowed like a never-ending stream, a testament to her love and grief.”

20. Sobbing like a tidal wave of emotion

  • Meaning: This metaphor conveys a powerful, overwhelming surge of feelings, similar to a tidal wave.
  • In a Sentence: “In the grip of his emotions, he was sobbing like a tidal wave of emotion, unable to hold back the tide.”

21. Her eyes were a wellspring of sadness

  • Meaning: This suggests a deep, inexhaustible source of sorrow.
  • In a Sentence: “Looking into her eyes, one could see a wellspring of sadness, years of unspoken hurt brimming beneath the surface.”

22. Crying like a heavy rainstorm

  • Meaning: This metaphor compares crying to the intensity and heaviness of a rainstorm.
  • In a Sentence: “Amidst the chaos, she found herself crying like a heavy rainstorm, her tears mirroring the tumult around her.”

23. Tears like silver threads

  • Meaning: This metaphor likens tears to delicate, shimmering threads, highlighting their beauty and fragility.
  • In a Sentence: “In the moonlight, her tears were like silver threads, weaving a tapestry of sorrow.”

24. He wept like a weeping willow

  • Meaning: This suggests a deep, mournful, and perhaps elegant expression of sadness.
  • In a Sentence: “Under the old oak tree, he wept like a weeping willow, his grief as deep as the roots beneath him.”

25. Tears fell like a gentle drizzle

  • Meaning: This metaphor conveys a soft, continuous, and perhaps calming flow of tears.
  • In a Sentence: “In the quiet of the morning, her tears fell like a gentle drizzle, soothing her aching heart.”

26. Sobbing like a distant thunder

  • Meaning: This suggests a rumbling, deep, and perhaps foreboding expression of grief.
  • In a Sentence: “His sobs echoed through the empty house, like distant thunder, signaling a storm of sorrow.”

27. Crying like a monsoon

  • Meaning: This metaphor implies an intense, overwhelming, and possibly seasonal outburst of emotion.
  • In a Sentence: “Faced with the unbearable news, she was crying like a monsoon, her tears as relentless as the seasonal rains.”

28. Tears streamed down like a river of pain

  • Meaning: This indicates a strong, continuous flow of tears, driven by deep hurt.
  • In a Sentence: “As she read the letter, tears streamed down like a river of pain, each one a testament to the love she once had.”

29. She wept like a summer shower

  • Meaning: This metaphor suggests a brief, yet intense, outpouring of emotion, akin to a sudden rain shower on a summer day.
  • In a Sentence: “Overwhelmed by the moment, she wept like a summer shower, her tears as fleeting and intense as a warm rain.”

30. His eyes were a reservoir of tears

  • Meaning: This metaphor conveys the idea of holding a deep, constant reserve of sorrow that occasionally overflows.
  • In a Sentence: “During the ceremony, his eyes were a reservoir of tears, filled to the brim with memories and love.”

Here are 10 quiz questions based on the metaphors for crying discussed in the article:

Quiz Questions

  1. Multiple Choice: What does the metaphor “Tears flowed like a river” primarily convey?
    • A) A brief outburst of crying
    • B) A gentle expression of sadness
    • C) An overwhelming and continuous flow of emotions
    • D) A controlled and calm release of feelings
  2. Fill in the Blank: “Her eyes were a __________,” is a metaphor that suggests an intense and possibly sudden outpouring of emotions.
  3. True or False: The metaphor “Crying like a broken heart” implies a joyful and light-hearted expression of emotions.
  4. Short Answer: What does the metaphor “He wept like a storm” suggest about the nature of the person’s crying?
  5. Matching: Match the metaphor to its meaning.
    1. Sobbing like a wounded animal
  6. Multiple Choice: “Tears like glass beads” is a metaphor that likens tears to what?
    • A) Sharp and painful memories
    • B) Precious, clear, and reflective objects
    • C) Fragments of broken dreams
    • D) Elements of nature
  7. True or False: The metaphor “She wept like a broken dam” suggests a controlled and steady release of emotions.
  8. Fill in the Blank: “Crying like a __________” is a metaphor that compares intense crying to the intensity and heaviness of a particular weather phenomenon.
  9. Short Answer: How does the metaphor “Tears welled up like a spring” depict the emergence of emotions?
  10. Multiple Choice: Which metaphor suggests a deep, continuous source of sorrow?
    • A) She wept like a summer shower
    • B) His eyes were a reservoir of tears
    • C) Sobbing like a distant thunder
    • D) Tears fell like a gentle drizzle

These quiz questions can help test understanding of the metaphors and their meanings in a fun and engaging way.

Conclusion

Wow, what a journey through the landscape of emotions, right? Metaphors for crying are not just about sadness; they’re about expressing the full spectrum of human emotions.

From the gentle drizzle of a somber moment to the torrential downpour of overwhelming grief, each metaphor we explored offers a unique lens through which we can view and understand our feelings. Whether you’re a writer, a poet, or just someone who appreciates the richness of language, I hope this exploration has given you new insights and inspiration.

Cite this entry:

Phrasesdirectory.com. “,” Retrieved from Phrases Directory – Accessed

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