Allow some crocodile tears (3)
I believe the answer is:
let
'allow' is the definition.
(I know that allow can be written as let)
'some crocodile tears' is the wordplay.
'some' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue (some parts of the word are used).
'LET' is hidden in the letters of 'crocodile tears'.
(Other definitions for let that I've seen before include "& 15 Triple (anag.)" , "Disappoint or fail to support - ... down" , "Service that must be repeated" , "Allow on the tennis court" , "Allow the obstruction" .)