Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
shed crocodile tears
idiom
/ʃɛd ˈkrɒkədaɪl tɪrz/
Definition
To display false sorrow or fake emotions, usually to manipulate others.
Examples
- After realizing he would not be punished, he shed crocodile tears to gain sympathy from his friends.
- She shed crocodile tears at the funeral, but everyone knew she was not really sad.
Meaning
The phrase ‘shed crocodile tears’ refers to a situation where someone pretends to be upset, sad, or remorseful, while not genuinely feeling that way. It implies insincerity in expressing emotions.
Synonyms
- feign sorrow
- put on an act
- fake sadness
