crocodile tears

USAGE SUMMARY

"crocodile tears" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an idiom that means false or insincere expressions of emotion or sympathy. For example: "He said he was sorry for his mistake, but his crocodile tears were unconvincing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Crocodile tears.

The Guardian

"Were they crocodile tears?

The New York Times - Style

ALEX RIDER Crocodile Tears.

The New York Times - Books

They seem to me like crocodile tears.

The Guardian

Di Natale replied: "These are crocodile tears.

The Guardian

Erdogan's critics aren't convinced, suggesting crocodile tears.

The Guardian - Arts

It was not even crocodile tears, mostly.

The Guardian - Sport

"Crocodile tears," sniffs Hay Badra, a prominent protester.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

She crossed the bridge into Connecticutthinking that crocodile tears were the new thing.

The New Yorker

Where's the blame-apportioning, hand-wringing, crocodile-tears sentiment-spraying rub of the piece?

Vice

People cry crocodile tears and then nothing happens".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair this phrase with verbs such as "shed", "cry", or "weep" for a natural and idiomatic flow.

Common error

Avoid using "crocodile tears" to describe genuine crying that merely looks odd or small. The phrase implies a specific intent to deceive or a complete lack of real emotion. If the person is actually sad but the situation is minor, it is better to use literal descriptors.

How to use

Learn how to use "crocodile tears" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

In English grammar, "crocodile tears" is a fixed idiomatic noun phrase. It typically functions as the direct object of verbs like "shed", "cry", or "weep". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is a figurative way to denote a performance of emotion rather than a genuine feeling.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Reference

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

1%

Academia

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "crocodile tears" is a powerful linguistic tool used to denote insincere or hypocritical displays of grief. Ludwig AI demonstrates that the phrase is extremely common in high-quality journalism, particularly when describing public figures or political maneuvers. With over 50 exact matches from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, the phrase remains a standard part of the modern English lexicon for criticizing lack of authenticity. Writers should use it when the intent is to highlight a deceptive emotional performance, typically pairing it with the verb "shed". It is a highly effective way to convey judgment on a person's character or motives through a well-known cultural metaphor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fake tears

uses simpler, more direct language without the animal metaphor

alligator tears

uses a different reptile but serves as a direct, though less common, synonym

shedding false tears

retains the verbal structure while using a literal adjective for insincerity

feigned sorrow

replaces the figurative idiom with a formal adjective-noun pair

insincere grief

describes the psychological state rather than the physical act of crying

pretended sympathy

focuses on the false display of empathy rather than the crying itself

hypocritical display of emotion

provides a broader and more descriptive explanation of the behavior

put-on sadness

adopts a more informal and colloquial tone

hollow apologies

shifts the focus from visual crying to insincere verbal statements

shallow mourning

implies a lack of emotional depth rather than a calculated deception

FAQs

What does the idiom "crocodile tears" mean?

It refers to a false or insincere display of emotion, particularly grief. The term comes from the ancient belief that crocodiles weep while devouring their prey. If you want a more literal term, you could use "fake tears".

Can I use "crocodile tears" in professional writing?

Yes, it is common in high-level journalism and editorial content. As shown by Ludwig examples, sources like The Economist and The New York Times use it to describe political insincerity. For a more formal academic context, you might prefer "feigned sorrow".

Is there a difference between "crocodile tears" and "alligator tears"?

Both terms are used to mean the same thing, but "crocodile tears" is much more common and widely recognized. In some regions, "alligator tears" is used interchangeably, though it is technically a variation of the original idiom.

How do I use "crocodile tears" in a sentence?

You can say, "The politician shed "crocodile tears" over the budget cuts he had personally proposed." This highlights the hypocrisy of the action. Alternatives include "insincere grief" or "pretended sympathy" depending on your focus.