Extract from Crossed Wires BIG 192
Crocodile tears refers to an insincere display of emotion. This ancient expression, which was used in ancient Rome, comes from an ancient anecdote that crocodiles weep in order to lure their prey, or that they cry for the victims they are eating. It may come from the fact that when crocodiles have their mouths open, eating or basking in the sun, the jaw puts pressure on the tear glands, causing them to shed tears. But theyre certainly not tears of remorse for their victims!
An elephant never forgets is close to the truth apparently. The ancient Greeks used to say ‘a camel never forgets an injury’ but the working elephant memorises multiple commands given by the mahout, or trainer, and also recognises many other animals and people. The 1954 film Elephant Walk demonstrates the memory of the elephants who walk the same route every year and are enraged when humans have built their home in its path.
