B1idiomnatureIELTS-friendly
crocodile tears
USUK
sadness that someone shows but does not really feel
Same image as Vietnamese 'nước mắt cá sấu', but the English word order puts 'crocodile' first. Common verbs: 'cry', 'shed', 'weep'.
In context
The boss cried crocodile tears about the job cuts, then bought himself a new car.
Don't believe his crocodile tears; he broke the vase on purpose.
Common mistake
Incorrect: She cried tears of crocodile.
Correct: She cried crocodile tears.
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