The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word WHIMPERS
W
H
I
M
P
E
R
S
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "cries" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case cries = whimpers.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does WHIMPERS mean?
WHIMPERS noun- A low intermittent sob.
- To cry or sob softly and intermittently.
- To cry with a low, whining, broken voice; to whine; to complain.
- To say something in a whimpering manner.