Definition

Noun: A clever, cunning, or deceitful act, especially one intended to trick or deceive someone. It implies a quick, sly maneuver that gives the deceiver an unfair advantage.

Usage

The phrase "a fast one" is almost exclusively used in the idiomatic expression "to pull a fast one (on someone)". It describes the act of successfully tricking or deceiving someone in a clever and often sneaky way.

Examples

• The contractor tried to pull a fast one by using cheaper materials than what was in the contract.
• I think the salesperson pulled a fast one on me; this product doesn't do what he promised.
• Don't try to pull a fast one; we know the real rules of the game.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often carries a tone of grudging admiration for the trick's cleverness, mixed with annoyance at being deceived.
• It is frequently used in informal contexts to describe situations in business, sports, games, or personal interactions where someone is cheated.

Variants and Related Words

• Fast-talk (verb): To persuade or deceive someone with rapid, clever, or misleading speech.
  • He tried to fast-talk his way out of the speeding ticket.
• Double-cross (noun/verb): An act of betraying or cheating someone, especially after agreeing to work with them.
  • It was a dirty double-cross; he sold the information to our competitor.

Synonyms

• Trick
• Deception
• Swindle
• Con
• Scam
• Sleight of hand

Related Idioms

• To put one over on someone: To deceive or trick someone.
  • He thought he could put one over on the teacher, but she knew he hadn't done the work.
• To pull the wool over someone's eyes: To deceive someone so they do not realize the truth.
  • You can't pull the wool over my eyes; I know exactly what's going on.

Noun

1. a cunning or deceitful action or device
   • he played a trick on me
   • he pulled a fast one and got away with it