in full cry

Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Medical, Encyclopedia.

in full cry

1. Vocal in one's criticism. The students are in full cry over this movement to introduce healthier lunches. A: "The protest against the new shopping center was very well attended." B: "I'm not surprised—everyone I've talked to has been in full cry against it." How can the school board ignore hundreds of parents who are all in full cry against your dismissal?

2. Happening with a lot of energy or enthusiasm. By the sounds of it, the motorcycle rally is in full cry now. Don't worry, the fair won't be in full cry until later. We're not going to miss anything. Sounds like the game is already in full cry! Come on!

See also: cry, full

in full cry

mainly BRITISH

If someone or something is in full cry, they are doing something very actively. As we left, a jazz band was in full cry. It's quite shocking to be confronted by a press pack in full cry. Note: This expression refers to the noise made by a pack of hounds when they see the animal they are hunting.

See also: cry, full

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

in full cry

expressing an opinion loudly and forcefully.

Full cry originated and is still used as a hunting expression referring to a pack of hounds all baying in pursuit of their quarry.

See also: cry, full

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

in full ˈcry

chasing or attacking something with a lot of noise and enthusiasm: The newspapers are in full cry over this new banking scandal. ♢ The government is having difficulties, and its critics are in full cry again.

This idiom refers to hounds (= hunting dogs) and the noise they make when they are chasing a fox.

See also: cry, full

in full cry

In hot pursuit, as hounds hunting.

See also: cry, full

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.