blue murder: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal
Quick answer
What does “blue murder” mean?
A state of loud, wild, or extravagant outcry, protest, or alarm.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A state of loud, wild, or extravagant outcry, protest, or alarm.
To scream, shout, or protest in a vehement, loud, and often exaggerated manner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in British English. In American English, similar concepts might be expressed with 'raise hell' or 'scream bloody murder'.
Connotations
UK: Often implies making a fuss, a noisy complaint. US: Less common; if used, understood but may sound slightly dated or British.
Frequency
Moderately frequent in UK informal speech/writing; rare in US.
Grammar
How to Use “blue murder” in a Sentence
SUBJ + scream/shout/cry + blue murder + (about/over OBJ)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blue murder” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The supporters were crying blue murder over the referee's decision.
- He'll shout blue murder if you touch his tools.
American English
- She started screaming blue murder when the wi-fi went down.
- They yelled blue murder about the change in policy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. 'The team cried blue murder when the new targets were announced.'
Academic
Avoided due to informality.
Everyday
Common for describing exaggerated reactions. 'She screamed blue murder when she saw the spider.'
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “blue murder”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “blue murder”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blue murder”
- Using it literally ('The detective investigated the blue murder').
- Using 'blue murder' as a standalone noun phrase ('It was a complete blue murder').
- Misspelling as 'blew murder'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is purely an idiomatic phrase and never refers to an actual murder or the colour blue.
It is primarily a British English idiom. The American equivalent is often 'scream bloody murder'.
It functions as a noun phrase, but only as the object of verbs like 'scream', 'shout', or 'cry'.
No, it is informal and hyperbolic but not vulgar. It's acceptable in casual conversation.
A state of loud, wild, or extravagant outcry, protest, or alarm.
Blue murder is usually informal in register.
Blue murder: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbluː ˈmɜː.dər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbluː ˈmɝː.dɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “scream blue murder”
- “cry blue murder”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone so shocked they turn BLUE and scream as if a MURDER was happening.
Conceptual Metaphor
LOUD COMPLAINT IS A VIOLENT CRIME (hyperbole).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'scream blue murder' typically express?