A crying shame?

[Mahmud]

Test No. incompl/inter-43 "A Crying Shame", question 2

It really is a crying ......... that after all that money has been spent, the project is now being abandoned.

(a) shock
(b) shame
(c) disgust
(d) pity

Test No. incompl/inter-43 "A Crying Shame", answer 2

It really is a crying shame that after all that money has been spent, the project is now being abandoned.

Correct answer: (b) shame

Your answer was: correct
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What does it mean?
crying shame
Thanks

[Torsten]

It's an expression you use when you say when you think a situation is wrong.

TOEIC listening, talks: Commercial for home financing

[Kati Svaby]

Dear Torsten,

Can I write an example from OED but I don't understand the second half of the sentence.

-It would be a crying shame(=a great shame) not to take them up on the offer?

Can you explain me.
I looked up in the dictionary:
phr.v.=take sb up on sth

1.to question sb about sth, because you don't agree with them.
-I must take you up on that point.
-I'd like to take you up on what you said earlier.

2.(inf)to accept an offer, a bet etc from sb.
Thanks for the invitation - we'll take you up on it some time.

my tip would be: It would be a great shame not to accept their offer.
But I am not sure.
What is your opinion about it?
_________________
Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.

[Beeesneees]

You're absolutely right, Kati.

I always admire the way you try to work out things for yourself before you ask. A lot of learners should take a leaf out of your book.
_________________
"Inside every old person is a young person wondering what happened."
Terry Pratchett

[Kati Svaby]

Hello Bez,

This not only book but the whole book is copied on a CD also, and it had been put on my laptop, with voiced dictionary. I like it very much, very easy to use. Only one mistake that I know surely I won't have time to learn everything.

Good night:
Kati
_________________
Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.