hue and cry
hue and cry
Pronunciation
/hjuː/ (or sometimes /hju/)
/hj/ - a combination of the "h" sound and the "y" sound.
/uː/ - the long "oo" sound.
And:
/ænd/
/æ/ - the "a" sound as in "cat"
/n/ - the "n" sound.
/d/ - the "d" sound.
Cry:
/kraɪ/
/kr/ - a combined "k" and "r" sound.
/aɪ/ - the "i" sound as in "high".
Word Form Variations
"hue and cry" (singular):
This is the standard form, referring to a loud outcry or public clamor.
"hue and cries" (plural):
While less common, the plural form "hue and cries" can be used to indicate multiple instances of such outcries.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun:
Definition 1:
A loud public outcry or clamor, often expressing protest, alarm, or pursuit.
Example: "The politician's controversial statement sparked a nationwide hue and cry."
Synonyms:
Clamor
Outcry
Uproar
Tumult
Hubbub
Vociferation.
Antonyms:
Silence
Quiet
Peace
Calm.
Definition 2:
Historically, the act of raising a loud alarm to pursue a suspected criminal.
Example: "In medieval times, the victim would raise a hue and cry, compelling citizens to join the chase."
Synonyms:
Pursuit
Chase
Alarm
Summons
Definition 3:
A strong expression of public disapproval.
Example: "There was a huge hue and cry following the new laws being passed."
Synonyms:
Protest
Objection
Complaint.
Word Class Limitations:
"Hue and cry" is not commonly used as a verb, adjective, or adverb in modern English. Its established usage is firmly within the noun category.
Historical Context:
It's important to remember the historical origins of "hue and cry," which stem from medieval English law. This context adds depth to its meaning.
Examples of Use
In News and Online Publications:
Political Discourse:
"Once the Supreme Court invalidates the order, the usual hue and cry about the court being a tool of conservatives will begin." (WSJ) This shows how the phrase is used to describe a predictable, loud public reaction.
"The Democrats would raise a hue and cry about changing the Senate rules in the middle of the game." (National Review) This example shows how the phrase is used to show political opposition.
Social Issues:
"Nurses have experienced burnout for decades, yet there hasn't been the same intense hue and cry for them as there is for physicians." (STAT) This usage highlights the disparity in public attention given to different groups.
"Even as the hue and cry on the internet are loud, experts suspect the switch is limited to a tiny section of privacy-conscious users and amplified on their groups." (Quartz India) This example shows the use of the term in regards to internet outcry.
Sports:
"The public hue and cry to change Cleveland's outfield apparently did not register with the front office." (cleveland.com) This shows the use of the phrase in regards to public sporting fan reactions.
In Literature and Historical Context:
Historically, the term is deeply rooted in English common law, referring to the process of raising an alarm to pursue a criminal. This historical context is often referenced in historical texts and analyses of legal history.
Information regarding the historical usage of the term can be found in sources such as the Encyclopedia Britannica. (Britannica.com)
General Public Discourse:
You'll often hear "hue and cry" used in everyday conversations to describe situations where there's a lot of public fuss or protest about something. For example:
"There was quite a hue and cry when the school announced they were cutting the arts program."
"After the company's data breach, there was a massive hue and cry from customers."
10 Famous Quotes Using Hue and Cry
“In every age, a public hue and cry has drowned out truths spoken in quieter tones.” (Unknown)
“When injustice rises, a righteous hue and cry becomes the duty of the people.” (Frederick Douglass)
“A sudden hue and cry can scatter reason faster than any storm.” (Unknown)
“Revolutions often begin with a whisper and end with a hue and cry that shakes the world.” (Unknown)
“A leader must discern whether a hue and cry springs from wisdom or from fear.” (Unknown)
“The media can turn a rumor into a hue and cry before the facts have even woken up.” (Unknown)
“Do not mistake the hue and cry of the crowd for the voice of conscience.” (Unknown)
“Often the loudest hue and cry conceals the smallest truth.” (Unknown)
“A society that ignores its suffering citizens will one day face their collective hue and cry.” (Unknown)
“In politics, a strategic hue and cry can shift the narrative more quickly than policy ever could.” (Unknown)
Etymology
Imagine a time, way back in medieval England, when there weren't police forces like we have today. If someone committed a crime, like stealing or hurting someone, the victim or anyone who saw it would have to raise the alarm themselves.
That's where "hue and cry" comes in. It was essentially a public shout for help.
"Hue" itself comes from an old French word, "huier," which meant "to shout" or "to cry out." Think of it as the sound of someone yelling to get attention.
"Cry" is just the English word for a loud shout or call.
So, "hue and cry" together meant a loud, public outcry. It wasn't just any shout; it was a specific call to action. People who heard it were legally obligated to join in the pursuit of the criminal. They had to drop what they were doing and help catch the bad guy.
First Known Use and Meaning:
The phrase has roots in medieval English law. It was a formal legal procedure.
The earliest uses of the phrase are found in legal documents from the 13th century.
Its core meaning was to raise a public alarm and mobilize people to chase and apprehend a criminal.
Essentially, it was the medieval version of a neighborhood watch, but with legal teeth. If you heard the "hue and cry," you had to participate.
Over time, while the legal obligation disappeared, the phrase stuck around, and now we use it to describe any loud public outcry or protest. It's kept that sense of a widespread, vocal reaction.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Hue and Cry
1. The Phrase Itself:
"To raise a hue and cry": This is the most common usage, meaning to initiate a public outcry.
2. Why It's Limited:
"Hue and cry" is a somewhat archaic phrase, although still used. It has a specific historical context that limits its flexibility in forming new idioms.
It functions primarily as a noun phrase, which further restricts its usage.
3. Phrases and Idioms with Similar Meanings (Synonyms):
To capture the essence of "hue and cry," we can look at idioms and phrases that express similar concepts, such as:
"To raise a storm":
Meaning: To cause a great disturbance or uproar.
Example: "The controversial decision raised a storm of protest."
"To kick up a fuss":
Meaning: To create a disturbance or make a noisy protest.
Example: "They kicked up a fuss about the late delivery."
"To make a scene":
Meaning: to behave in a dramatic way that attracts attention.
Example: "He made a scene in the restaurant."
"To raise an uproar":
Meaning: to cause a noisy disturbance.
Example: "The announcement raised an uproar among the crowd."
"To go up in arms":
Meaning: To become very angry and protest strongly.
Example: "The community went up in arms over the proposed development."
"To sound the alarm":
Meaning: to give a warning of danger.
Example: "They sounded the alarm about the approaching storm."
4. Original/Less Common Phrases:
"The hue and cry of digital dissent": This phrase puts the term in a modern context.
"A rising hue and cry": This variation adds a sense of growing intensity.
While "hue and cry" itself doesn't generate many related idioms, we can use synonymous phrases to express similar ideas of public outcry and protest.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of hue and cry from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
