a sigh for help
A weak, lazy way of saying you need help, like when you're too tired to actually scream or throw a tantrum. It's like when you're stuck in a bad relationship and just say you might leave, but you still go out to dinner with your ex.
My mom said, 'I might leave my job,' but she still took the kids to the mall.
He said he might move out, but he still cooked dinner for his dad.
She said she might break up with him, but she still followed him on Instagram.