Signification
Insincere or fake crying.
Contexte culturel
In Ukrainian folklore, animals often have human traits. The crocodile is seen as an exotic, dangerous 'other,' making its tears particularly untrustworthy. The phrase was used by Pliny the Elder, which is why it is so widespread in European languages today. In the era of 'cancel culture,' this phrase is used on Ukrainian Twitter (X) to describe corporate apologies that lack real change. Shakespeare used the image in Othello, which helped cement the phrase in the global literary canon, including Ukrainian translations.
Use with 'Лити'
Always pair it with 'лити' to sound like a native speaker.
Be Careful
Calling someone's tears 'crocodile tears' is a direct accusation of lying. Use it only when you are sure.
Signification
Insincere or fake crying.
Use with 'Лити'
Always pair it with 'лити' to sound like a native speaker.
Be Careful
Calling someone's tears 'crocodile tears' is a direct accusation of lying. Use it only when you are sure.
Sincerity Matters
In Ukraine, being 'щирий' (sincere) is a top virtue, so this idiom is a strong insult.
Plural Only
Don't try to use it in the singular; it won't sound natural.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the correct form.
Він не справді засмучений, він просто ллє ________ сльози.
The adjective 'крокодилячі' must agree with the plural noun 'сльози'.
Which verb is most commonly used with this idiom?
Ми часто кажемо: '____ крокодилячі сльози'.
'Лити' (to pour) is the standard verb for shedding these fake tears.
In which situation would you use this phrase?
Ситуація: Ваш друг розбив вашу улюблену чашку навмисно, а тепер вдає, що плаче.
Because the action was intentional and the crying is fake, this is the perfect context.
Complete the dialogue.
- Ти бачив, як той актор вибачався? - Так, але я йому не вірю. Це були...
The context of not believing an apology points directly to this idiom.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesВін не справді засмучений, він просто ллє ________ сльози.
The adjective 'крокодилячі' must agree with the plural noun 'сльози'.
Ми часто кажемо: '____ крокодилячі сльози'.
'Лити' (to pour) is the standard verb for shedding these fake tears.
Ситуація: Ваш друг розбив вашу улюблену чашку навмисно, а тепер вдає, що плаче.
Because the action was intentional and the crying is fake, this is the perfect context.
- Ти бачив, як той актор вибачався? - Так, але я йому не вірю. Це були...
The context of not believing an apology points directly to this idiom.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it's very common to use it for children who are 'fake crying' to get what they want.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends or read it in a serious newspaper.
Biologically, yes, but not because they are sad. It's a physiological process.
There isn't a single idiom, but 'щирі сльози' (sincere tears) or 'гіркі сльози' (bitter tears) are used for real grief.
'Крокодилячі' is much more common in modern Ukrainian.
You can say 'фальшиві сльози,' but it's less colorful and less common than the idiom.
It's like the 'o' in 'more' but preceded by a very soft 'l'.
Yes, very often, especially to criticize political hypocrisy.
Probably not, unless you are discussing literature or a very specific social situation. It's a bit too accusatory.
Yes, Russian, Polish, and Czech all have direct equivalents.
Expressions liées
Грати на публіку
similarTo perform for an audience
Дволикість
similarTwo-facedness
Гіркі сльози
contrastBitter, real tears
Сміятися крізь сльози
builds onTo laugh through tears
