Meaning of "to cry out for"

[Lilo]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #43 "A Crying Shame", question 4

It really was a large and spacious garden but it cried out ......... something colourful to be planted.

(a) for
(b) to
(c) by
(d) on

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #43 "A Crying Shame", answer 4

It really was a large and spacious garden but it cried out for something colourful to be planted.

Correct answer: (a) for

Your answer was: correct
_________________________

Does "to cry out for" mean "to need"?

Lilo

[Mister Micawber]

.
Yes: 'badly need'.
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_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mister Micawber