crocodile tear

The term "crocodile tear" originates from the myth that crocodiles shed tears while consuming their prey, symbolizing insincere displays of emotion.

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Definition

B2General

(idiomatic)An insincere display of sorrow or regret.

Example

  • His apology was full of crocodile tears; everyone knew he wasn't truly sorry.
  • The politician's crocodile tears did little to convince the public of her sincerity.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "crocodile tear":

shed a tearcry offcry downcry someone a rivercry one's eyes outcry aim