Top Pages
Home
A-Z Glossary
Punctuation
A-Z Confused Words
Common Mistakes
(ordered by seriousness) Top Tip
Get a grammar checker
for your browser ESL Vocabulary Lists Parts of Speech Lists Tests and Games Awkward Plurals Sayings and Proverbs Twitter YouTube
(ordered by seriousness) Top Tip
Get a grammar checker
for your browser ESL Vocabulary Lists Parts of Speech Lists Tests and Games Awkward Plurals Sayings and Proverbs Twitter YouTube
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.
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.
Previous and Next Sayings
Test Your Knowledge of English Proverbs and Idioms
Ready for the Test?
More Proverbs, Sayings, and Idioms
Help Us Improve Grammar Monster
- Do you disagree with something on this page?
- Did you spot a typo?
Find Us Quicker!
- When using a search engine (e.g., Google, Bing), you will find Grammar Monster quicker if you add #gm to your search term.
Next lesson >