Cry crocodile tears Meaning in English
expression
ˈkɹaɪ/ /ˈkɹɑkəˌdaɪɫ/ /ˈtɛɹz/, /ˈtɪɹz
KRY KRAH-kuh-dyle TEERZ
kɹˈaɪ/ /kɹˈɒkədˌaɪl/ /tiːɹz
kry KROK-uh-dyle TEERZ
Definition
To pretend to be sad or to show false sympathy, usually to hide one's true feelings or intentions.
Usage & Nuances
This is an idiom, often used to accuse someone of being insincere. Usually has a negative tone. It is not used for real or deep sadness. Common in both speech and writing.
Spanish: llorar lágrimas de cocodriloPortuguese (BR): chorar lágrimas de crocodiloPortuguese (PT): chorar lágrimas de crocodiloChinese (Simplified): 假慈悲地哭泣 - 假装伤心Chinese (Traditional): 假慈悲地哭泣 - 假裝傷心Hindi: मगरमच्छ के आँसू बहानाArabic: يذرف دموع التماسيحBengali: মিছে কান্না কাটা - কুমিরের কান্নাRussian: лицемерно плакать - лить крокодиловы слёзыJapanese: 偽りの涙を流す - ワニの涙を流すVietnamese: giả vờ khóc - khóc nước mắt cá sấuKorean: 거짓 눈물을 흘리다 - 악어의 눈물을 흘리다Turkish: timsah gözyaşı dökmek - sahte gözyaşı dökmekUrdu: مگرمچھ کے آنسو بہاناIndonesian: menangis air mata buaya - pura-pura sedih
Example Sentences
She cried crocodile tears when she apologized.
basic
Children sometimes cry crocodile tears to avoid punishment.
basic
Don't cry crocodile tears if you don't really care.
basic
When the boss was caught lying, he cried crocodile tears on TV.
natural
He acts sorry, but I know he's just crying crocodile tears.
natural
You can't fool me—I can tell when you cry crocodile tears.
natural