cry crocodile tears

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cry crocodile tears

To display false, insincere, or hypocritical sadness or remorse. Derived from an ancient notion that a crocodile will weep to lure in its victims, or that it weeps as it eats them. Jessica cried crocodile tears over the expulsion of her rival, Jacob.

crocodile tears, crying/to cry

Pretended grief; hypocritical sorrow. The term comes from an ancient myth that a crocodile weeps while eating its prey. It was quoted by the English traveler Sir John Mandeville in 1400 but was already current far earlier, in Roman times. Indeed, the writer Spartianus, in his Lives of the Emperors (ca. a.d. 300), said that the Emperor Caracalla shed crocodile tears at the death of some of his enemies. The term was picked up by Shakespeare, Sir Francis Bacon, and numerous other writers, and was a cliché by the time Tennyson wrote, “Crocodiles wept tears for thee” (“A Dirge,” 1830).

See also: crocodile, cry, crying, to

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References in periodicals archive ?

There you can find cartoons of Lam showing her as the character Gollum from the Lord of the Rings, doggedly clutching the "One Ring", or crying crocodile tears over injured protesters.

Memes, cartoons and caustic Cantonese: the language of Hong Kong's protests

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf has accused rival parties of "crying crocodile tears" over police funding after voting against an SNP Budget that would increase it.

Barely legal cop cars break down every day; Our vehicles are in disgraceful state, says officers' leader

But those in positions of power crying crocodile tears overlook the fact that for ten years, the country has been further crippled by sanctions imposed by the White House and Congress on government entities and individuals, several related to "anti-democratic actions, human rights violations and corruption".

Democracy, rights pretexts for regime change

So instead of crying crocodile tears and making excuses, the First Minister should get his wallet out and give teachers in Wales the pay rise that they deserve."

Public sector pay rise a 'con trick' - Carwyn

The Kensington MP Emma Dent Coad has accused Tory ministers of "crying crocodile tears" over Grenfell Tower.

Kensington MP Emma Dent Coad accuses Tory ministers of "crying crocodile tears" over Grenfell Tower; She has renewed calls for commissioners to take over the "shameful" rehousing operation

I see no reason why we couldn't have an automatic clear-out at the end of every Parliament of every member who's over 80 Lord Steel, former Liberal Party leader, on the House of Lords Londoners are sick and tired of Tory MPs crying crocodile tears in their local papers about police station closures, and then coming here to cheerlead the cuts that make them necessary Labour MP Wes Streeting This may be our last chance for many years to reform this House.

They say..

I do hope those councillors who voted to keep these higher salaries won't be crying crocodile tears about having to make cuts to front line services in the future when they've put themselves first."

'You put yourself first... so don't cry about service cuts' COUNCILLORS CONDEMNED OVER VOTE AGAINST PAY CUT

The politician went on to accuse the comedian of crying crocodile tears during her recent press conference.

Alec Baldwin Defends Kathy Griffin As Sarah Palin Slams Comedian

And even when he became emotional I felt he was crying crocodile tears.

Lynda's widower takes the Michael

Those who opposed PFI scehems in the past, and the public who have been conned by 'self-serving' politicians who want to earn a nice living in Parliament, are not to blame for this, but most politicians who have not adequately represented their constituents are now 'crying crocodile tears' That is why members of the public feel conned by many MP's and why those MP's who are perceived to have principles, are growing in popularity.

Timebomb of PFI schemes NO [...]

He said that the terrorists besieging the remaining locals in the camp prevent them from reaching aid delivery points by firing mortars and sniping the sites, saying that such incidents took place on December 11th, 12th and 13th, leading to suspending the distribution process, with the terrorists' main goal being to starve the locals and prevent them from receiving treatment so that malicious media outlets can start crying crocodile tears on the conditions of Palestinian refugees and politicize the issue.

Mustafa: Terrorists preventing locals in Yarmouk Camp from receiving aid

PISCES February 20 - March 20 Someone is crying crocodile tears - the sooner you see them for what they really are, the sooner you can enjoy those who offer as much as you give.

Stars; CLARE PETULENGRO'S WEEKLY PREDICTIONS

SIR - I am most amused to see Labour councillors who voted for cuts to public services now crying crocodile tears over the fact that they chose to adhere to the dictates of the capitalist neo-liberalist austerity programme enacted with such callous viciousness by the Con/Dem government.

Labour just crying crocodile tears; Views of Wales

"This thing was crying crocodile tears (of joy), embracing a moment that should not have been hers."

Dyson flying with birdies

TISSUES will be at the ready for councillors crying crocodile tears when they vote to approve another PS29m cuts in Coventry on Tuesday, February 26.