When do we shed crocodile tears?

Idioms, or the figures of speech which make language livelier and more colorful, are like tricks one pulls out of a bag to the delight of listeners and readers. But although they’ve become such a familiar part of conversation and writing, their origins are often unclear.

Bic (available at National Book Store and other retail stores), the trusted name in fine writing instruments, highlights some historical footnotes on idioms. They’re as interesting as the idioms themselves.

Bury the hatchet — In olden times, Native Americans buried their weapons as a sign that the war had ended and that they are already at peace with their enemies. Today, this means making up with someone after an argument or a fight.

Dot the i’s and cross the t’s — When writing documents in the past, clerks had to be careful not to confuse similar-looking letters, especially the i’s and the t’s. Now, we use this idiom when we want someone to pay extra attention to every minute detail.

Saved by the bell — In the 1600s, a guard at the Windsor Castle was accused of sleeping on the job. He proved his accusers wrong when he said that he heard the bell ring 13 times the previous night. Townsfolk corroborated his statement and he was acquitted. This idiom means to be rescued at the last possible minute, just like the bell at the end of a class period.

To shed crocodile tears — Crocodiles are known to shed a tear when opening their mouths, and this happens mostly when they are swallowing up their prey. (Although this has nothing to do with feeling any remorse.) Thus, people who shed "crocodile tears" are only pretending to feel sorry.

Working like an ant — In the animal kingdom, ants are usually regarded as the most hardworking. Thus, a person who is industrious is frequently compared to an ant.