shed a tear
Show visible sorrow
To shed a tear is to cry, usually briefly or sparingly—a single tear or a few, not sustained weeping.
The phrase often appears in negative constructions: I won't shed a tear when he's gone suggests indifference or satisfaction rather than grief.
She shed a tear during the ceremony.
- cryVocal expression of emotion
- griefIntense sorrow from loss
- sorrowDeep emotional distress
- emotionComplex psychological state
- remorseGuilt for wrongdoing
sadness · lament · poignancy · wistfulness · sniffle · joy · cry someone a river · dry eye · gratitude · tristesse · relief · lacrimation · touched · catharsis · moved · elegy · melancholy · empathy
shed a tearkeep a stiff upper lip
Remain composed under pressure
keep it together · steel oneself · grin and bear it · put on a brave face
shed a tearsob uncontrollably
cry one's eyes out · burst into tears · wail · sob · blubber
shed a tearburst out laughing
Suddenly begin guffawing
laugh out loud · chuckle · crack a smile · crack up · grin
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