Deception is a common theme in language, reflected in various expressions that describe deceitful behavior. Understanding these expressions can enhance your comprehension and communication skills, helping you identify and articulate situations involving deceit. Here are 20 expressions related to deception, complete with short meanings and example sentences.
1. Pull the wool over someone’s eyes
Meaning: Deceive someone.
Example: He pulled the wool over their eyes and escaped.
2. Lead someone up the garden path
Meaning: Mislead someone.
Example: She led him up the garden path with false promises.
3. Pull a fast one
Meaning: Trick someone.
Example: He tried to pull a fast one on his boss.
4. Smoke and mirrors
Meaning: Deceptive actions.
Example: Their marketing strategy was just smoke and mirrors.
5. Take for a ride
Meaning: Deceive someone.
Example: They took him for a ride with the fake deal.
6. String someone along
Meaning: Mislead over time.
Example: He strung her along with empty promises.
7. Pull the strings
Meaning: Secretly control.
Example: She was pulling the strings behind the scenes.
8. Play a double game
Meaning: Deceive both sides.
Example: He was playing a double game, betraying both teams.
9. Two-faced
Meaning: Hypocritical behavior.
Example: He was two-faced, saying one thing and doing another.
10. Throw dust in someone’s eyes
Meaning: Confuse someone.
Example: They threw dust in his eyes to hide the truth.
11. Cry wolf
Meaning: Raise false alarms.
Example: After crying wolf too often, no one believed him.
12. Pull the rug out from under
Meaning: Suddenly withdraw support.
Example: They pulled the rug out from under him without warning.
13. Be economical with the truth
Meaning: Lie or deceive.
Example: He was economical with the truth about his past.
14. Cheat on
Meaning: Betray someone.
Example: She found out he was cheating on her.
15. Con someone out of
Meaning: Deceive for gain.
Example: He conned her out of her life savings.
16. Play someone for a fool
Meaning: Treat as stupid.
Example: Don’t let them play you for a fool.
17. False pretense
Meaning: Deceptive excuse.
Example: He acted under false pretenses to get money.
18. On the sly
Meaning: Secretly.
Example: They met on the sly to discuss their plans.
19. Bluff someone
Meaning: Deceive by pretending.
Example: She bluffed her way through the interview.
20. Fake out
Meaning: Deceive or trick.
Example: He faked out his opponent with a quick move.
