The idiom "pull the wool over one's eyes" is thought to have originated in the 16th century. At that time, it was common for wealthy men to wear woolen wigs. Thieves would sometimes pull these wigs over the men's eyes to rob them. This idiomatic expression is now used to describe any act of deception, even if it does not involve a physical object.

What is the origin of the idiom "pull the wool over one's eyes" and when to use it?

to [pull] the wool over {one's} eyes

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The idiom "bend the truth" is thought to have originated in the early 17th century. It was first used in print in 1606, in a play by William Shakespeare. In the play, a character says, "I will bend the truth a little out of fashion, to make it more agreeable to your hearing." Over time, this expression came to be used more generally to describe any act of deception or lying. In other words, it is often used to describe someone who is trying to make something sound better than it really is.

What is the origin of the idiom "bend the truth" and when to use it?

to [bend|stretch] the truth

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The idiom "blow smoke" originated from the literal act of blowing smoke into someone's face to deceive or confuse them. This practice, often associated with stage magicians, created an illusion or diversion that allowed the performer to execute a trick or escape unnoticed. Over time, the expression evolved into a metaphorical sense. It is now used to refer to the act of making false statements, exaggerations, or empty promises to mislead or confuse others.

What is the origin of the idiom "blow smoke" and when to use it?

to [blow] smoke

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The idiom "Canterbury tale" is derived from Geoffrey Chaucer's work "The Canterbury Tales," where pilgrims tell diverse and sometimes dubious stories during their journey. In contemporary usage, the phrase has evolved to describe a story, explanation, or excuse that is hard to believe or is fanciful in nature.

What is the origin of the idiom "Canterbury tale" and when to use it?

Canterbury tale

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The idiom "cook the books" has its origins in accounting practices, specifically in the alteration or manipulation of financial records to present a misleading or fraudulent picture of a company's financial health. The term "cook" implies the illicit act of preparing or tampering with financial statements, such as inflating profits or concealing losses. This deceptive practice, often undertaken to deceive investors, regulators, or stakeholders, has given rise to the figurative use of "cook the books" to describe any act of manipulating financial records or accounts dishonestly.

What is the origin of the idiom "cook the books" and when to use it?

to [cook] the books

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The idiom "snow job" originated from the practice of using a deceptive or overwhelming amount of words, information, or flattery to persuade or confuse someone. The term "snow" in this context likens the act to a heavy snowfall that covers and obscures the underlying landscape. This expression gained popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in political and persuasive contexts, where individuals would employ an excessive amount of persuasive tactics or information to obscure the truth or manipulate opinions.

What is the origin of the idiom "snow job" and when to use it?

snow job

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The idiom "hook, line, and sinker" finds its origin in fishing terminology, representing the complete apparatus used to catch fish. The "hook" is the actual fishing hook, the "line" is the fishing line, and the "sinker" is a weight that ensures the bait sinks to the desired depth. The idiom has been adapted into everyday language to describe someone who has been completely and unquestioningly deceived or fooled.

What is the origin of the idiom "hook, line, and sinker" and when to use it?

hook, line, and sinker

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The idiom "throw dust in one's eyes" has its origins in the literal act of throwing dust or sand in someone's eyes, temporarily blinding them and creating an opportunity for deception or escape. Over time, the expression evolved into a metaphorical sense, signifying the act of misleading or deceiving someone, often by diverting their attention or obscuring the truth with false information. This idiomatic expression is typically used to describe tactics aimed at confusing or duping an individual.

What is the origin of the idiom "throw dust in one's eyes" and when to use it?

to [throw] dust in {one's} eyes

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The idiom "worm something out of someone" originated from the imagery of extracting information or a confession through persistent and often cunning questioning, similar to how a worm might burrow its way out of soil. It conveys the idea of prying details or secrets from someone who may be reluctant to share. This expression is commonly used to describe the act of coaxing or extracting information through subtle or skillful interrogation.

What is the origin of the idiom "worm something out of someone" and when to use it?

to [worm] {sth} out of {sb}

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The idiom "take someone for a ride" originated in American slang during the early 20th century, particularly in the context of organized crime. The phrase initially referred to the act of luring an unsuspecting person into a car with the intention of kidnapping or murdering them. Over time, the expression has evolved to encompass a broader meaning, indicating deceit or manipulation, where someone is misled or tricked for personal gain.

What is the origin of the idiom "take someone for a ride" and when to use it?

to [take] {sb} for a ride

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The idiom "smell a rat" has its origins in the behavior of rodents, particularly the characteristic strong odor associated with rats. In the late 16th century, the phrase "smell a rat" emerged in English, initially as "to smell a rat about," referring to the suspicion or sense of something being wrong or deceitful. The phrase likely draws on the natural aversion humans have to the smell of rats, which can indicate the presence of filth or danger. Over time, "smell a rat" evolved into a metaphorical expression, signifying the detection of dishonesty, deceit, or a hidden agenda in various situations.

What is the origin of the idiom "smell a rat" and when to use it?

to [smell] a rat

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The idiom "monkey business" originated in the mid-19th century, deriving from the association of monkeys with mischievous and playful behavior. Monkeys are known for their agility, curiosity, and tendency to engage in antics, and the term "monkey business" was initially used to describe frivolous or deceitful activities. Over time, the expression evolved to describe any behavior perceived as unethical, dishonest, or mischievous, often referring to actions that deviate from serious or legitimate conduct.

What is the origin of the idiom "monkey business" and when to use it?

monkey business

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The idiom "crooked as a dog's hind leg" is a colloquial expression that vividly describes something or someone as extremely dishonest or morally corrupt. The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it likely draws upon the association of a dog's hind leg as being less straight and more irregular in shape compared to the front legs. The imagery conveys a sense of extreme deviation from honesty or fairness, emphasizing a lack of integrity or trustworthiness.

What is the origin of the idiom "crooked as a dog's hind leg" and when to use it?

(as|) crooked as a dog's hind leg

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The idiom "lead someone up the garden path" originated in the early 20th century and is rooted in the image of leading someone on a winding path through a garden, possibly with deceitful intentions. The phrase is often used metaphorically to describe the act of deceiving, misleading, or manipulating someone, typically by presenting false information or creating a false sense of security.

What is the origin of the idiom "lead someone up the garden path" and when to use it?

to [lead] {sb} (up|down) the garden path

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The idiom "bait and switch" originated in the realm of retail and marketing in the early 20th century. It describes a deceptive sales tactic where a seller advertises a product or service at an enticing price (the bait) to attract customers, but upon engagement, the seller then attempts to persuade the customer to purchase a different, usually more expensive, item (the switch). This tactic is designed to lure customers in with an appealing offer, only to disappoint or inconvenience them by redirecting their attention to a less desirable alternative. This expression is now used to attract potential buyers and capitalize on their interest, only to redirect them to a different, often less favorable, product or service.

What is the origin of the idiom "bait and switch" and when to use it?

bait and switch

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The idiom "smoke and mirrors" has its origin in the world of magic and illusion. It dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when magicians employed various techniques involving smoke, mirrors, and other visual tricks to create illusions that dazzled and deceived audiences. The phrase "smoke and mirrors" metaphorically conveys the idea of using deceptive tactics or elaborate means to obscure the truth or divert attention. It is often used to describe situations where something appears impressive or complex, but in reality, it involves cunning methods to manipulate perception.

smoke and mirrors

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The origin of the idiom "pull a fast one" is somewhat uncertain, but it likely comes from the world of deception and sleight of hand. The word "fast" in this context means "quick" or "deceptive," and "pull" suggests executing a trick or a scheme. It may have evolved from the idea of a magician or con artist quickly executing a deceitful maneuver to outsmart or deceive someone. People often use this phrase to describe situations where someone has tried to outwit or cheat someone else, typically in an unexpected manner.

What is the origin of the idiom "pull a fast one" and when to use it?

to [pull] a fast one

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The idiom "free lunch" has its origin in the practice of offering complimentary meals to patrons at bars or taverns, often as an incentive to attract customers. This tradition, prevalent in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, gave rise to the saying "there is no such thing as a free lunch." While the initial intention was to entice customers with free food, the phrase evolved into a metaphorical expression cautioning that nothing comes without a cost or hidden consequences. It is used as a reminder that even seemingly generous offers may involve trade-offs or obligations.

What is the origin of the idiom "free lunch" and when to use it?

free lunch

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The idiom "copycat" originated in the mid-20th century, combining the words "copy" and "cat." The term draws on the mimicry behavior observed in cats and is used to describe someone who imitates or emulates the actions, ideas, or style of another person. This expression is often used in a playful or colloquial manner to tease or criticize individuals who lack originality and instead replicate the behavior or work of someone else.

What is the origin of the idiom "copycat" and when to use it?

copycat

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Discover how English idioms like "blow smoke" and "smell a rat" relate to deception in English.

English Idioms for "Deception"