Question

"To shed crocodile tears" means

• A. to weep profusely
• B. to grieve seriously
• C. to pretend grief
• D. to mock something

Hint:

Use "shed crocodile tears" to describe someone who is faking sadness or pretending to be upset.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understand the idiomatic phrase.
"To shed crocodile tears" is an idiomatic expression that means to pretend to be sad or to feign sorrow. The phrase originates from the old belief that crocodiles weep while devouring their prey.
Step 2: Analyze each option.
- (A) to weep profusely: Incorrect. This describes genuine crying, not pretending.
- (B) to grieve seriously: Incorrect. This refers to actual grieving, not pretending grief.
- (C) to pretend grief: Correct. "Shed crocodile tears" means to fake sorrow or pretend to be upset.
- (D) to mock something: Incorrect. "Mock" refers to imitating or ridiculing something, which is different from pretending grief.
Step 3: Conclusion.
"To shed crocodile tears" means "to pretend grief."