crocodile tears: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, semi-formal, and literary contexts.
Quick answer
What does “crocodile tears” mean?
Insincere expressions of sorrow or remorse.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Insincere expressions of sorrow or remorse.
The act of crying or pretending grief hypocritically, often to deceive or manipulate others. Historically, it stems from the ancient belief that crocodiles weep while eating their prey.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the idiom identically.
Connotations
Identical negative connotation of manipulative insincerity.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK media, but common in both. US English may prefer simpler synonyms like 'fake crying' in casual speech.
Grammar
How to Use “crocodile tears” in a Sentence
[Subject] shed/cried crocodile tears over [Object/Event][Someone's] crocodile tears about [Topic] fooled no one.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crocodile tears” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was crocodile-tearing his way through the apology.
- She tends to crocodile-tear when she's caught out.
American English
- Stop crocodile-tearing; nobody believes you're sorry.
- Politicians are expert at crocodile-tearing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The CEO shed crocodile tears for the laid-off staff while announcing record bonuses."
Academic
"The paper analysed the use of crocodile tears in medieval morality plays as a symbol of hypocrisy."
Everyday
"Don't shed crocodile tears now; you were the one who broke it!"
Technical
Not applicable in technical fields. Used only in its idiomatic, figurative sense.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “crocodile tears”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “crocodile tears”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crocodile tears”
- Using it as a singular noun (*'a crocodile tear').
- Using it to describe genuine but excessive emotion.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It originates from an ancient legend that crocodiles weep while eating their victims, symbolising false or hypocritical sorrow.
No, it exclusively describes insincere, feigned, or hypocritical displays of emotion.
Yes, it is a direct accusation of deceit and manipulation, so it can be very offensive and should be used carefully.
No, it is inherently negative and critical, implying conscious deception.
Insincere expressions of sorrow or remorse.
Crocodile tears is usually formal, semi-formal, and literary contexts. in register.
Crocodile tears: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkrɒkədaɪl ˈtɪəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkrɑːkədaɪl ˌtɪrz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “shed a tear (genuine)”
- “cry one's eyes out (genuine)”
- “turn on the waterworks (potentially insincere)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a crocodile at a funeral, crying big, shiny tears while secretly smiling. It looks sad, but it's fake.
Conceptual Metaphor
FALSE EMOTION IS PREDATORY ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR (The predator weeps to deceive its prey/victim).
Practice
Quiz
In which situation would someone most likely be accused of shedding 'crocodile tears'?