Meaning & Explanation
The idiom “Cry for the moon” means to demand or desire something that is impossible to obtain. It reflects unrealistic expectations or childish stubbornness in wanting the unattainable.
Hindi Equivalent:
“असंभव चीज की मांग करना”
Literal Meaning: “To ask for the impossible”
Detailed Explanation
This phrase originates from the idea of a child crying to possess the moon—an obviously impossible wish. It highlights:
✔ Unrealistic Desires: Pursuing what cannot be achieved
✔ Impracticality: Wasting energy on futile demands
✔ Childish Behavior: Immature insistence on unreasonable things
Real-Life Examples
1. Workplace Expectations
- English: “Demanding a 500% raise is crying for the moon.”
- Hindi: “500% वेतन वृद्धि माँगना असंभव चीज की मांग करना है।”
2. Personal Relationships
- English: “Expecting perfection from your partner is crying for the moon.”
- Hindi: “अपने साथी से पूर्णता की उम्मीद करना असंभव की मांग है।”
3. Political Promises
- English: “Eliminating all taxes is just crying for the moon.”
- Hindi: “सभी टैक्स खत्म करने का वादा असंभव चीज माँगने जैसा है।”
Psychological & Social Insight
Why People “Cry for the Moon”:
✓ Lack of Awareness: Not understanding limitations
✓ Fantasy Thinking: Preferring dreams over reality
✓ Manipulation Tactics: Making unreasonable demands as negotiation strategy
Healthy Alternatives:
✔ Set achievable goals
✔ Practice contentment
✔ Distinguish between needs and wants
Usage Tips
✔ Use when describing impractical demands
✔ Effective in professional and personal contexts
✔ Often appears with words like “unrealistic” or “impossible”
Similar Expressions
| English | Hindi |
|---|---|
| “Pie in the sky” | “हवाई किले बनाना” |
| “Build castles in air” | “असंभव सपने देखना” |
| “Ask for the stars” | “अति महत्वाकांक्षी होना” |
Cultural Perspectives
- Western Literature: Common in fables about greed
- Indian Folklore: Similar to “खीर के धोने पीने” (impossible wishes)
- Business Context: Used to reject unrealistic proposals
Reflection Questions:
- When have you or others “cried for the moon”?
- How can we temper ambitions with practicality?
- What impossible dreams are worth pursuing anyway?
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