Cry foul Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Expressing Unfairness Use 'cry foul' when something feels unjust or against established rules. Everyone cried foul when the new policy cut vacation days without warning. Pro Tip 2/3Strong Emotion Emphasizes strong dissatisfaction or anger about a perceived injustice. Fans cried foul after the concert was canceled at the last minute. Pro Tip 3/3Public Complaint Suggests a complaint voiced openly in a public setting, not privately. Workers cried foul over the unfair dress code in a meeting.