crocodile
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crocodile
A large predator from the order of reptiles that lives in tropical waters, known for its powerful jaws and armored body.
Am Ufer des Nils sonnte sich ein riesiges Krokodil.
A huge crocodile was sunning itself on the bank of the Nile.
to cry crocodile tears
An idiom meaning to show hypocritical, fake grief. Someone only pretends to be sad or sympathetic.
Er entschuldigte sich zwar, aber alle wussten, dass er nur Krokodilstränen weinte.
He did apologize, but everyone knew he was only crying crocodile tears.
crocodile leather
A short form for crocodile leather, which is used as an expensive material for luxury items such as handbags, shoes, or belts.
Sie sparte lange für eine Handtasche aus echtem Krokodil.
She saved for a long time for a handbag made of real crocodile leather.
The word element 'Krokodil-' (crocodile) is often used to form compound nouns. It then describes that something comes from a crocodile or has to do with crocodiles.
Die Handtasche ist aus Krokodilleder.
The handbag is made of crocodile leather.
When the animal is meant, you often find the word in contexts describing its habitat. Typical phrases are 'im Fluss lauern' (to lurk in the river), 'am Ufer liegen' (to lie on the bank), or 'in tropischen Gewässern leben' (to live in tropical waters).
Vorsicht, in diesem Fluss lauern Krokodile.
Careful, there are crocodiles lurking in this river.
The idiom 'Krokodilstränen weinen' (to cry crocodile tears) is a fixed expression. It means that someone is only feigning grief or sympathy, so they do not really feel it.
Er weinte Krokodilstränen, als sein Konkurrent die Beförderung nicht bekam.
He cried crocodile tears when his competitor didn't get the promotion.
The idiom comes from the old belief that crocodiles cry while eating their prey. The 'Tränen' (tears) are therefore not real, but a deception.
Glaub ihm nicht, das sind nur Krokodilstränen.
Don't believe him; those are just crocodile tears.
When 'Krokodil' (crocodile) is meant as a material, it is often used with the preposition 'aus' (made of) and is uncountable. You say 'eine Tasche aus Krokodil' (a bag made of crocodile leather), but not 'aus einem Krokodil' (made from a crocodile).
Dieser Gürtel ist aus Krokodil und war sehr teuer.
This belt is made of crocodile leather and was very expensive.
