Definition

Verb (phrasal verb): To deceive, trick, or hoax someone; to successfully fool someone.

Usage

This phrasal verb is used to describe the act of tricking someone, often implying the trick was clever or successful. It is typically used in informal contexts. * Structure: to put one over on [someone]

Examples

• He thought he could put one over on the teacher by copying his friend's homework.
• The con artist tried to put one over on the elderly couple.
• You can't put one over on me; I know what you're trying to do.

Advanced Usage

The phrase often carries a nuance of the deceiver gaining a minor advantage or feeling of superiority through the trick. * The team felt they had really put one over on their rivals with that clever strategy.

Variants and Related Words

• Put something over on someone: A less common but equivalent variant.
  • He tried to put a fast one over on his boss.

Synonyms

• Deceive
• Trick
• Hoax
• Dupe
• Fool
• Pull the wool over someone's eyes (idiom)

Related Idioms

• Pull a fast one: To carry out a clever trick or deception.
  • The customer tried to pull a fast one by switching the price tags.

Verb

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