Do crocodiles really cry? The truth behind “crocodile tears”

Crocodiles do produce tears, but these are purely biological, triggered by jaw movement and the need for eye lubrication, not sadness. The idiom “crocodile tears” originates from an ancient misconception of these reptiles crying while eating prey, symbolizing insincere emotions. While many animals produce tears for eye health, humans are unique in shedding them for emotional reasons.