scream bloody murder
Meaning
To shout very loudly in anger, fear, or protest; to make an extreme, dramatic outcry.
Origin
Recorded in American English from the early 20th century. It uses “bloody” (as in blood) to intensify “murder,” evoking a violent image to emphasize the loudness and intensity of the outcry rather than a literal crime.
Notes
Informal and vivid; often hyperbolic. Used for intense yelling or dramatic protest, sometimes implying overreaction. Not literally about murder.
Examples
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The toddler screamed bloody murder when his mom tried to buckle him into the car seat.
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My neighbors thought I was hurt because I screamed bloody murder after stepping on a Lego.
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He threatened to scream bloody murder if anyone tried to take his phone away.
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The fans screamed bloody murder when the referee disallowed the goal.
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If you touch that loose tooth, she’ll scream bloody murder.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed phrase usually with verbs like “scream,” “yell,” or “cry”: “scream bloody murder.” It can be inflected (screamed) and used with “about/when/over.” Less common but possible: “cry bloody murder.”
Synonyms
- scream
- shriek
- raise hell
- make a fuss
- kick up a stink
- cry bloody murder
Antonyms
- keep quiet
- stay calm
- remain silent