shame (redirected from shames)

crying shame

Fig. a very unfortunate situation; a real shame. It's a crying shame that people cannot afford adequate housing. That your father could not attend graduation was a crying shame.

See also: crying

Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.

Prov. After being tricked once, one should be wary, so that the person cannot trick you again. Fred: Would you like a can of peanuts? Jane: The last can of peanuts you gave me had a toy snake in it. Fred: This one really is peanuts. Jane: Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.

See also: fool

For shame!

That is shameful! Sue: Did you hear that Tom was in jail? Fred: For shame! What did he do? Sue: Nobody knows. Mary: I've decided not to go to the conference. John: For shame! Who will represent us?

hide one's face in shame

Fig. to cover one's face because of shame or embarrassment. Mary was so embarrassed. She could only hide her face in shame. When Tom broke Ann's crystal vase, he wanted to hide his face in shame.

See also: face, hide

put someone to shame 

1. to embarrass someone; to make someone ashamed. I put him to shame by telling everyone about his bad behavior.

2. to show someone up. Your excellent efforts put us all to shame.

See also: put

shame of it (all)

That is so shameful!; I am so embarrassed; I am shocked. (Considerable use jocularly or as a parody. Compare this with For shame!) John: Good grief! I have a pimple! Always, just before a date. Andy: The shame of it all! Tom: John claims that he cheated on his taxes. Bill: Golly! The shame of it!

shame on you

a phrase scolding someone for being naughty. (*Typically said to a child or to an adult for a childish infraction.) John: I think I broke one of your figurines. Mary: Shame on you! John: I'll replace it, of course. Mary: Thanks, I sort of liked it. "Shame on you!" said Mary. "You should have known better!"

Tell the truth and shame the devil.

Prov. to tell the truth even though you have strong reasons for concealing it. Jill: Have you been using my computer without asking permission? Jane: Uh... no.... Jill: Come on, Jane, tell the truth and shame the devil.

See also: and, devil, tell, truth

What a pity! and What a shame!

Fig. an expression of consolation meaning That's too bad. (Can also be used sarcastically.) Bill: I'm sorry to tell you that the cat died today. Mary: What a pity! Mary: The cake is ruined! Sally: What a shame!

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It's a crying shame!

something that you say when you think a situation is wrong (often + that ) It's a crying shame that she only gets one month's maternity leave.

See also: crying

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it's a crying shame (spoken)

it is a great misfortune It's a crying shame when someone has worked hard and then loses everything because of someone else's dishonesty.

See also: crying

put somebody to shame

to cause someone to be embarrassed I thought I was in pretty good shape for hiking, but Astrid, who is in her 70s, put me to shame.

See also: put

shame on you (spoken)

you should feel embarrassed by something you have done Protesters chanted “shame on you” at the university's president. Shame on me for not checking the schedule and getting there half an hour late.