Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
crocodile tears
idiom
/ˈkrɒkədaɪl tɛrz/
Definition
Crocodile tears refer to a display of false emotion, particularly sadness, that is insincere and intended to deceive others.
Examples
- After pretending to be upset about the incident, it became clear that his crocodile tears were just a way to gain sympathy.
- She shed crocodile tears at the funeral, but everyone knew she didn’t really care about the deceased.
Meaning
The phrase comes from an ancient belief that crocodiles cry while eating their prey, symbolizing fake sorrow or a lack of genuine feelings.
Synonyms
- fake sympathy
- insincere emotion
- false sorrow
