# take out an onion

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/take-out-an-onion
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- She is just taking out an onion to get her way.
- Everyone knew she was taking out an onion because she only started crying when the boss walked into the room.
- His performance of grief was so transparently false that the audience immediately recognized he was merely taking out an onion to manipulate their sympathy.

## Origin

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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.