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(ordered by seriousness) ESL Vocabulary Lists Parts of Speech Lists A-Z Idioms and Proverbs Tests and Games Top Tip Install a grammar checker
for your browser
To Weep Crocodile Tears (Origin)
What Is the Origin of the Saying "To Weep Crocodile Tears"?
To weep crocodile tears means to offer an insincere show of sorrow. The term is thought to derive from the lubricating tears that emanate from a crocodile's lachrymal glands as it devours its prey. Whilst it may appear that the crocodile is showing remorse for its victim, we can be certain it is not.Table of Contents
- English Proverbs and Idioms Test
- More Proverbs, Sayings, and Idioms
Examples of Use:
- Nobody believes her crocodile tears. She's wanted him gone for years.
- Stop with the crocodile tears. The answer is no.
- The baby just wants attention. They're only crocodile tears.
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English Proverbs and Idioms Test
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Buy the Grammar Monster book.
Suitable for: Teachers, advanced students, and business writers.
Description: Published by London's Octopus Publishing, "Smashing Grammar" is the third, and most comprehensive, grammar reference book written by Craig Shrives (the founder of the Grammar-Monster.com). It is divided into three sections:
Description: Published by London's Octopus Publishing, "Smashing Grammar" is the third, and most comprehensive, grammar reference book written by Craig Shrives (the founder of the Grammar-Monster.com). It is divided into three sections:
- A-Z Grammar Glossary (This section explains grammar terminology, from the basics to advanced terms. It is especially useful because every entry concludes with a valuable and succinct explanation of why the grammar term matters for a writer.)
- A-Z of Punctuation (Packed with entertaining examples, this section provides definitive, well-explained rules for using all the principal punctuation marks. Punctuation should not be guesswork. There are rules.)
- A-Z of Easily Confused Words (This section covers all the homonyms and near homonyms that plague writers and offers tips on how to remember which to use.)
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