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hue and cry
01
a public display of disapproval or anger
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "hue and cry" and when to use it?
The idiom "hue and cry" originated in medieval England and is derived from the Old French term "huer et crier," meaning to shout and cry out. In medieval times, the "hue and cry" referred to the public outcry or loud pursuit raised by a community to apprehend a criminal or address an urgent matter. It was a communal alarm system, where people would make a loud noise and call out to alert others about a crime or danger. Over time, the expression has evolved into an idiom used more broadly to signify a public outcry or uproar over an issue.
Example
The news of the proposed development in the historic neighborhood raised a hue and cry from preservationists.
The sudden announcement of layoffs at the company caused a hue and cry among the employees.
The controversial decision by the city council resulted in a hue and cry among the residents.
