cry carrots and turnips
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
To be taken through the streets on a cart while being whipped, as a punishment for certain crimes.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
I had a mighty queer adventure in communion with that foul toad, Titus Oates, whom I afterwards rejoiced to see crying carrots and turnips, with all London looking on.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “cry carrots and turnips” mean?
To be taken through the streets on a cart while being whipped, as a punishment for certain crimes.
Is “cry carrots and turnips” formal or informal?
cry carrots and turnips is generally slang.