cri de coeur
Say it: kree duh KUR /ˌkriː də ˈkɜː/ · noun phrase
What “cri de coeur” means
A deeply felt appeal or protest.
More precisely: A passionate, heartfelt appeal or protest.
Example: “His resignation email was a cri de coeur about burnout in the industry.”
When to use it
For an emotional plea expressing deep concern or pain, usually in serious journalism, speeches or literary discussion.
Memory trick
French for cry from the heart: picture a plea powered by deeply felt emotion.
Similar words
plea, heartfelt appeal, outcry
Where it comes from
French, 'cry from the heart'.
Quick check
A parent makes an impassioned plea for safer roads after repeated near misses outside school. It's…
a cri de coeur or an ultimatum?
Show the answer
a cri de coeur
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