Crocodile Tears – Idiom of the day for IELTS Speaking & Writing

Want to express someone who shows a fake expression of sorrow and regret? You must learn the idiom ‘Crocodile Tears’ to describe the person effectively. Lexical resources are one of the main components in both IELTS Speaking & Writing sections. Incorporating such idioms into your answers would showcase that you have a strong command of the language. Therefore, you must be aware of the situations, contexts, and strategies to fit it in your responses for the IELTS Exam. With practice, you can seamlessly use them like a native speaker without giving much thought to it.

What is the Definition of the Idiom ‘Crocodile Tears’?

Using appropriate idioms in everyday language and communication requires you to carefully consider its contextual meaning and figurative expression. This is because if these are used inappropriately or out of context, or even sound forced or unnatural, it can affect your coherence and lexical resource scores. In order to achieve a higher IELTS Band Score, developing proficiency in the accurate, relevant, and contextualized uses of the idiom ‘Crocodile Tears’ become important. 

The table below shows the definition, synonyms, and example sentences with the term.

Want to learn IELTS Speaking IDIOMS for BAND 9? Let’s check out the video below!

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using ‘Crocodile Tears’

Using an appropriate idiomatic language would demonstrate your vocabulary range in IELTS Speaking and Writing sections. This can include elaborating on personal points or describing particular situations. However, there could be times when you might use it in the wrong context, mistaking the meaning, or being overly formal. This is the reason why you must be aware of the common mistakes which you need to avoid while using the idiom ‘crocodile tears’.

• Use in Academic Formal Essays

'Cry crocodile tears' is informal and should not be used in formal essays (Writing Task 2).

• Misunderstanding Meaning

Some believe it means real sadness, yet it actually depicts fake emotion.

• Inappropriate Context

This idiom can be used in situations which are applicable to neutral facts or scientific descriptions.

• Confusing with Other Expressions

Don't mistake it for simple expressions of sadness because that would make the meaning of your sentence wrong.

• The Wrong Tense

When giving a wrong tense, there remains an ambiguity. 

Exercise on ‘Crocodile Tears’ for IELTS Speaking & Writing

An awareness of the context in which this idiom can be used would elevate your preparation. By diving into the exercise below, it will help you understand how to use the phrase properly. The exercise will ensure you're confident using the phrase 'Crocodile Tears' before the IELTS exam. 

1 The designer handbag she bought __________, but she really didn't care: she loved it.

2 Losing my old phone turned to be __________ because I was hoping to get a better one as a replacement.

3 The host told a joke at the start of the party to __________ so that everybody could feel comfortable.

4 His apology seemed like __________; no one believed he was really sorry. 

5 On becoming too late for deadline, he was standing __________ with his manager to explain the delay. 

6 I’ve done everything I can to help with the project, so now __________.

Describe the childhood moment that you remember. Try to use this idiom in your speech. You should say:
– When it happened
– Who was involved
– What did you do
And explain why you like or dislike this moment

Answer to the Exercise on ‘Crocodile Tears’ for IELTS Speaking & Writing

It's time to check your answers. Carefully compare them with the correct solutions, then analyse why you selected each option. This reflection will help you face errors, improve the way you approach problems, and enhance further your training toward obtaining a higher IELTS score.

1. cost an arm and a leg
2. a blessing in disguise
3. break the ice
4. crocodile tears
5. in hot water
6. the ball is in your court

By knowing the meaning, practicing its use, and avoiding mistakes in using the idiom ‘Crocodile Tears’ in response, you will begin to use it naturally and help demonstrate your advanced lexical resource. Such idiomatic language would improve your responses and help you to achieve a higher band score through the display of precision as well as appropriate contextual use in Speaking & IELTS Writing Sections.

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Also Check: 

• Five Ways to Improve Your Vocabulary
• 1200 Common Words in IELTS Listening
• IELTS Vocabulary Words List for Band 8 or 9
• How to Build Vocabulary for the IELTS Exam: Practical Tips
• IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+