Definition

1. Noun:
   • A swindler who exploits the confidence of his victim: A "con man" is a person who commits fraud by first gaining the trust of their victim, then using that trust to deceive them and steal money or valuables.

Usage

• The term "con man" is used to describe a specific type of criminal who relies on persuasion, charm, and deception rather than force.
• It is a countable noun (plural: con men).
• It is often used in informal contexts but is widely understood.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The elderly couple lost their savings to a clever con man who posed as a bank inspector.
  • He wasn't a real investor; he was just a con man running a pyramid scheme.

Advanced Usage

• "To be a real con man": Used to emphasize someone's exceptional skill at deception.
  • He could sell ice to an Eskimo; he's a real con man.
• "Con man's game" / "Con man's trick": Refers to the typical methods or a specific deceptive act used by such a person.
  • Promising huge returns with no risk is a classic con man's trick.

Variants and Related Words

• Con artist (n): A synonym for "con man," often implying a more sophisticated or artistic approach to deception.
• Swindler (n): A more general term for someone who cheats others out of money or property.
• Fraudster (n): A person who commits fraud, often in business or financial contexts.
• Scammer (n): An informal term for someone who executes scams, often online.
• The con (n): The specific trick or scheme itself.
  • He fell for the con and wired the money.

Synonyms

• Swindler: A person who uses deception to deprive someone of money or possessions.
• Fraud: A person who has committed fraud.
• Trickster: A person who deceives or plays tricks.
• Hustler: (In this context) A person who uses aggressive or deceptive methods to obtain money.

Related Phrases

• To con someone (v): The verb form, meaning to deceive or trick someone.
  • He conned them into buying fake jewelry.
• A con job (n): An instance of being conned; a deceptive scheme.
  • The whole investment opportunity was a con job.

Related Idioms

• "You can't con an honest man": A saying suggesting that those who are not greedy or looking for an unfair advantage are less likely to fall for scams.
• "Running a con": The act of operating a fraudulent scheme.
  • He spent years running a con on wealthy retirees.

Noun

1. a swindler who exploits the confidence of his victim