Question

Choose the correct meaning of the given phrase.
“Crocodile tears”
A. Big tears
B. True sympathy
C. Hypocritical sympathy
D. Faithfulness
E. Faithlessness

Answer 1

Hint: A phrase or an idiom is an expression that has a metaphorical meaning that has been accepted in common use. Idioms are not easy to understand because their meanings are usually metaphorical.

Complete answer:
- The symbolic sense of a phrase is very distinct from the literal meaning or description of the words that it is made of. There are a large number of idioms / phrases and in all languages they are used very widely. It is estimated that at least 25,000 idiomatic expressions occur in the English language.
- The building blocks of a language and culture are phrases and idioms. To make a language fascinating and complex, idioms, phrases have a high strength. They add a spectacular example to daily speech. They also offer fascinating insights into their speakers' usage of words, languages and thought processes. Phrases and idioms have a sense of mystery about them and are enjoyable.

Let us look at some common idioms / phrases of English.
- A hot potato; It means a contentious problem or situation that is uncomfortable or unpleasant to deal with. Piece of cake; it refers to something that is easy to do. Once in a blue moon; it means very rarely. A bed of roses; it refers to an easy option.
- Now, let us look at the idiom given in the question i.e. crocodile tears. Here, the phrase refers to tears or expressions of sorrow that are insincere. Therefore, the correct option will be C i.e. hypocritical sympathy.

Hence the correct answer is option ‘C'.

Note: You might get confused at times. But to clear your thoughts and to get the correct answer, you can always take help of the internet or any book on idioms and phrases.