cry wolf idiom disapproving Add to word list to keep asking for help when you do not need it, with the result that people think you do not need help when you really need it: If you cry wolf too often, people will stop believing you. -- to ask for help when you do not need it, which may prevent people from helping you when you do need it: The administration has cried wolf so many times, it's difficult to know if there's a problem or not.