Meaning: A false, insincere display of grief or sadness
Hindi: झूठे आंसू / बनावटी दुख
Synonyms: feigned grief, false sorrow, sham tears
Antonyms: genuine grief, sincere sorrow
Asked in: SSC MTS 2024 · SSC Steno 2023 T-1 · SSC Selection Post Ph-11 2023 · SSC CHSL 2021 T-1 · SSC MTS 2021
crocodile tears in SSC previous-year questions
- SSC MTS 2024 Idioms & Phrases
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
Crocodile tearsAnswer & explanation
Answer: D) An insincere display of grief
Answer: An insincere display of grief
Explanation:
The idiom "crocodile tears" refers to a false or fake show of sadness – दिखावटी या नकली आंसू।
It comes from an ancient belief that crocodiles weep while eating their prey — not out of sorrow, but as a natural reflex.
Let’s examine the options:
• To please everyone – ❌ Unrelated
• An irrevocable step – ❌ Incorrect meaning
• To not behave in a fair way – ❌ Doesn’t fit
• An insincere display of grief – ✅ Correct; fake or dishonest sadness – झूठा दुख दिखाना
So, "crocodile tears" means an insincere display of grief – नकली दुख। - SSC Steno 2023 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Select the most appropriate idiom to replace the underlined group of words in the given sentence.
It was apparent that she was faking sorrow at the death of her stepdaughter.Answer & explanation
Answer: A) shedding crocodile tears
The most appropriate idiom to replace the underlined group of words is: shedding crocodile tears
Shedding Crocodile Tears: This idiom means expressing insincere or fake sympathy. It comes from the ancient belief that crocodiles shed tears while eating their prey, creating a false appearance of sorrow.
Biting Her Own Tongue: This idiom means suppressing one's own thoughts or holding back from saying something.
Cutting Mustard: This idiom is a variation of "cutting the mustard," which means to meet a required standard or to succeed. It's often used in negative constructions like "can't cut the mustard," indicating someone or something is not up to the task.
Calling a Spade, a Spade: This idio - SSC Selection Post Ph-11 2023 Idioms & Phrases
Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom.
Those were only crocodile tears.Answer & explanation
Answer: A) Pretended sadness
The most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom "crocodile tears" is: Pretended sadness
This idiom refers to insincere or fake displays of emotion, particularly tears or sorrow. It implies that the tears are not genuine but are instead put on for show or to manipulate others.
Examples
- “He shed crocodile tears at the funeral, though he hated the man.”
crocodile tears – questions
What is the meaning of crocodile tears in Hindi?
crocodile tears means “झूठे आंसू / बनावटी दुख” in Hindi. In English: A false, insincere display of grief or sadness
What are the synonyms of crocodile tears?
Synonyms of crocodile tears: feigned grief, false sorrow, sham tears.
What is the opposite of crocodile tears?
Antonyms of crocodile tears: genuine grief, sincere sorrow.
Has crocodile tears been asked in SSC exams?
Yes – crocodile tears has been asked 5 times in SSC exams: SSC MTS 2024, SSC Steno 2023 T-1, SSC Selection Post Ph-11 2023, SSC CHSL 2021 T-1, SSC MTS 2021.