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Difference between More cry than wool and More kicks than halfpence

more cry than woolmuch clamor or fuss with insignificant results:

  • Her diary was much more cry than wool and Mary MacLane was a startling figure only because the times were so colorless and mild.

more kicks than halfpence —(also: more kicks than half-pennies) more harshness than kindness:

  • The life of a boy on board a ship isn’t one to be envied, he is at every one’s beck and call, and gets more kicks than halfpence.