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to not know whether to laugh or cry
01
to not now how to react to a situation as one is extremely frustrated or confused
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Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "not know whether to laugh or cry" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "not know whether to laugh or cry" is uncertain, but it reflects the universal human experience of encountering situations that evoke conflicting emotions. The phrase likely emerged from the recognition that certain events or circumstances can simultaneously elicit both amusement and sadness, leading to a sense of emotional ambivalence. This expression is often used in conversations or written discussions about ironic or absurd circumstances, instances of tragicomedy, or events that evoke a sense of both humor and disappointment.
Example
When the comedian's joke hit a little too close to home, the audience found themselves in a moment of not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
When my toddler painted my brand new white walls with bright red finger paint, I was caught in a state of not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
When I realized I had accidentally worn mismatched shoes to an important meeting, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
After spending hours preparing a delicious meal only to drop it on the floor, I stood there, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
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