What does "a cat cried" mean in one word as a phraseological unit? - briefly
The phrase "a cat cried" is an idiomatic expression that means "to protest or express displeasure." In other words, it signifies strong opposition or dissatisfaction.
What does "a cat cried" mean in one word as a phraseological unit? - in detail
The phrase "a cat cried" is not a recognized idiom or phraseological unit in English. Instead, it should be interpreted literally: it describes an instance where a cat made a sound commonly associated with crying or mourning. Cats make various vocalizations, including meows, purrs, hisses, and yowls, each conveying different emotions or needs. The term "cried" in this context is likely used metaphorically to suggest a particularly sorrowful or plaintive sound, similar to human crying. If one were to attempt to encapsulate the essence of this phrase in a single word, it might be "mournful," signifying a sense of loss or grief conveyed through the cat's vocalization. However, without additional context, such an interpretation remains speculative.