THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
A shoulder to cry on
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
A sympathetic person who listens and offers comfort when you are upset.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- After the disappointing result, I needed a shoulder to cry on.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
After the disappointing result, I needed ________.
Show the answer
A shoulder to cry on — A sympathetic person who listens and offers comfort when you are upset.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “A shoulder to cry on” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
A sympathetic person who listens and offers comfort when you are upset.
Compare: After the disappointing result, I needed a shoulder to cry on.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it warmly in personal conversation when someone needs emotional support rather than an immediate solution.
More examples in context
- My sister has always been a shoulder to cry on when things go wrong.
- He offered a shoulder to cry on after his friend’s difficult week.
Usage note
Actual crying or physical contact is not required. The phrase usually refers to a supportive person, and listening does not require fixing every problem.
A short conversation
A: Would you like me to help solve the problem?
B: Later, perhaps. Right now, I just need a shoulder to cry on.
A: I am here to listen.
One more practice question
Who offers a shoulder to cry on?
A. A friend who listens sympathetically when someone is upset.
B. A friend who refuses to listen and mocks the person’s feelings.
Check your answer
A. The expression describes comfort and sympathetic support.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.