In literature, the metaphorical crocodile tears first appeared in print, according to The Phrase Finder (phrases.uk.org), in 1563:
All of the very early citations refer directly to the myth of crocodiles weeping. It isn’t until the 16th century that we find ‘crocodile tears’ used with our current figurative meaning - that is, one where no crocodiles are present. Edmund Grindal, Archbishop of York and of Canterbury was the first to use the phrase with the implication of insincerity, in 1563, (re-published in Strype’s Life of Grindal, 1711):
“I begin to fear, lest his humility ... be a counterfeit humility, and his tears crocodile tears.”
William Shakespeare (1564-1616) made use of “crocodile tears” quite a few times. This, from Wikipedia:
Shakespeare regularly refers to the concept. He uses both of Topsell’s versions of the motive, as a trick and as fake repentance. A prominent example is in Othello, Act IV, Scene i, in which Othello convinces himself that his wife is cheating on him.
If that the earth could teem with woman’s tears, Each drop she falls would prove a crocodile.
He also refers to the version about tricking prey in Henry VI, Part 2, Act III, Scene i, in which a character refers to the faked emotions of the Duke of Gloucester:
“Gloucester’s show / Beguiles him, as the mournful crocodile / With sorrow, snares relenting passengers.”
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