What are crocodile tears?
Crocodile tears is a phrase used to describe fake or insincere expressions of sadness. The term comes from an old myth that crocodiles cry while eating their prey. People once believed that crocodiles wept to lure in their victims or to show false remorse. However, this is not true.
In reality, crocodiles do produce tears, but not because they are sad. Crocodile tears are a natural part of their body’s function to keep their eyes moist, especially when they are out of water for a long time. When crocodiles eat, their jaw muscles can press on the tear glands, causing them to release tears. This has nothing to do with emotions.
Today, when someone says you are shedding "crocodile tears", it means they think you are pretending to be sad or sorry when you really are not. It’s a way to call out someone who is being insincere.
