Definition

Verb (transitive, idiomatic): To deceive or trick someone; to successfully make someone believe something that is not true.

Usage

This phrasal verb is used to describe the act of deliberately misleading someone, often for personal gain or advantage. It implies the deceiver has been successful in their attempt. * You must use an object (the person being deceived) after the verb. The structure is typically "put one across [on someone]". * It is an informal expression.

Examples

• The con artist managed to put one across on several elderly investors.
• Don't try to put one across on me; I know the real story.
• He thought he could put one across the new manager, but she was too experienced to be fooled.

Advanced Usage

The phrase often carries a tone of cunning or cleverness on the part of the deceiver and gullibility on the part of the victim. It is frequently used in narratives about scams, tricks, or competitive situations.

Variants and Related Words

• Put it over on (someone): A less common variant with identical meaning.
  • He's always trying to put it over on his colleagues.

Synonyms

• Deceive
• Trick
• Dupe
• Hoodwink
• Pull the wool over someone's eyes

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Put on: To pretend or feign.
  • He's not really sick; he's just putting it on.
• Put over: To communicate or explain successfully (different meaning).
  • She put her ideas over very clearly to the team.

Related Idioms

• Pull a fast one: To play a clever trick or deceive someone.
  • The seller tried to pull a fast one by hiding the car's defects.
• Take someone for a ride: To deceive or cheat someone.
  • The fraudulent scheme took hundreds of people for a ride.

Verb

1. fool or hoax
   • The immigrant was duped because he trusted everyone
   • You can't fool me!