crocodile tear
/ˈkɹɒ.kə.daɪl ˌtɪə(ɹ)/ · noun
Meaning
- A display of tears that is forced or false.
- A tear shed insincerely, in a false display of sorrow or some other emotion.
Etymology / origin
From the ancient belief that crocodiles shed tears while consuming their prey.
Sources
No citations have been attached yet.