English Explanatory Dictionary

take out an onion

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. Suggests that the performer of the action is not sincere in their grief.

Word forms

take out an onion takes out an onion taking out an onion took out an onion taken out an onion

Etymology

The vapours from sliced onions cause tears, allowing someone to pretend to cry. Coined by Private Eye and used as a mock stage description, originally to describe Harold MacMillan.

Related words

crocodile tears
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