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shed crocodile tears

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shed crocodile tears

 and cry crocodile tears

Fig. to shed false tears; to pretend that one is weeping. The child wasn't really hurt, but she shed crocodile tears anyway. He thought he could get his way if he cried crocodile tears.

See also: crocodile, shed, tear

shed/weep crocodile tears

to show sadness that is not sincere

Usage notes: Some stories say that crocodiles cry while they are eating what they have attacked.

Political leaders shed crocodile tears while allowing the war to continue.

See also: crocodile, shed, tear