diddler

A diddler tricks an old man out of his wallet on a busy street.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A cheat or swindler: "diddler" refers to a person who deceives others, typically by small-scale fraud or trickery, often for personal gain.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The street performer was exposed as a diddler who tricked tourists with fake magic tricks. (A swindler who deceives people for money.)
  • He was known as a petty diddler, always finding ways to cheat at cards. (A small-time cheat.)

Advanced Usage

• "to diddle someone out of something": to cheat or swindle someone out of money or property.
  • The con artist diddled the elderly woman out of her savings. (He fraudulently took her money.)

Variants and Related Words

• Diddle (verb): to cheat, swindle, or waste time.
  • He tried to diddle the shopkeeper with a counterfeit bill. (To cheat using false money.)

Synonyms

• Cheat: a person who acts dishonestly to gain an advantage.
• Swindler: someone who uses deception to obtain money or property.
• Trickster: a person who plays tricks or deceives others.

Phrasal Verbs

• Diddle around: to waste time or engage in trivial activities.
  • Stop diddling around and finish your homework. (Stop wasting time.)

Related Idioms

• To diddle someone out of something: to take something from someone by deceit.
  • The dishonest salesman diddled the couple out of their deposit. (He cheated them out of their money.)