Crocodile tear Meaning in English
expression
ˈkɹɑkəˌdaɪɫ/ /ˈtɛɹ/, /ˈtɪɹ
KRAH-kuh-dyle TEER
kɹˈɒkədˌaɪl/ /teər
krok-uh-DYLE TAIR
Definition
A 'crocodile tear' means a false or insincere show of emotion, especially pretending to cry or be sad.
Usage & Nuances
Usually used to suggest someone is not truly sorry or sad. Common in both formal and informal contexts. Often plural: 'crocodile tears'. Often used to criticize someone's fake sympathy. Don't use for genuine emotions.
Spanish: lágrima de cocodriloPortuguese (BR): lágrima de crocodiloPortuguese (PT): lágrima de crocodiloChinese (Simplified): 鳄鱼的眼泪Chinese (Traditional): 鱷魚的眼淚Hindi: घड़ियाली आँसूArabic: دموع التماسيحBengali: মেকি কান্নাRussian: крокодилова слезаJapanese: ワニの涙Vietnamese: nước mắt cá sấuKorean: 악어의 눈물Turkish: timsah gözyaşıUrdu: مگرمچھ کے آنسوIndonesian: air mata buaya
Example Sentences
He cried crocodile tears when he lost the game.
basic
Her apology sounded like crocodile tears.
basic
Don't trust his crocodile tears.
basic
After getting caught, he put on a show with his crocodile tears, but nobody bought it.
natural
"Oh please, spare us the crocodile tears—we know you don't care," she said.
natural
People were tired of the politician's crocodile tears after every scandal.
natural