Crocodile tears

noun

Fake or insincere tears to show that you are sad or hurt, usually to gain sympathy.

He shed crocodile tears at the funeral, but I know he is just trying to get sympathy.
Visual representation of "crocodile tears" - Fake or insincere tears to show that you are sad or hurt, usually to gain sympathy

Often appears as...

  • shed crocodile tears
  • cry crocodile tears

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

noun

Fake or insincere tears to show that you are sad or hurt, usually to gain sympathy.

He shed crocodile tears at the funeral, but I know he is just trying to get sympathy.
Visual representation of "crocodile tears" - Fake or insincere tears to show that you are sad or hurt, usually to gain sympathy

Often appears as...

  • shed crocodile tears
  • cry crocodile tears

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "crocodile tears"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Insincerity

Used when someone pretends to be upset or sorry, but they are not really feeling it.

Illustration for Insincerity
After breaking the vase, Joe's crocodile tears didn't convince his mom.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Manipulation

Sometimes used to manipulate others or a situation to the pretender's advantage.

Illustration for Manipulation
She cried crocodile tears when caught cheating, hoping to escape punishment.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Context Clues

Pay attention to context, as the phrase often indicates skepticism about someone's true emotions.

Illustration for Context Clues
The jury saw through his crocodile tears and found him guilty.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Insincerity

Used when someone pretends to be upset or sorry, but they are not really feeling it.

Illustration for Insincerity
After breaking the vase, Joe's crocodile tears didn't convince his mom.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Manipulation

Sometimes used to manipulate others or a situation to the pretender's advantage.

Illustration for Manipulation
She cried crocodile tears when caught cheating, hoping to escape punishment.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Context Clues

Pay attention to context, as the phrase often indicates skepticism about someone's true emotions.

Illustration for Context Clues
The jury saw through his crocodile tears and found him guilty.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Insincerity

Used when someone pretends to be upset or sorry, but they are not really feeling it.

Illustration for Insincerity
After breaking the vase, Joe's crocodile tears didn't convince his mom.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Manipulation

Sometimes used to manipulate others or a situation to the pretender's advantage.

Illustration for Manipulation
She cried crocodile tears when caught cheating, hoping to escape punishment.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Context Clues

Pay attention to context, as the phrase often indicates skepticism about someone's true emotions.

Illustration for Context Clues
The jury saw through his crocodile tears and found him guilty.
Visual representation of the word "Crocodile tears"

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