get one over on
B2 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To win against someone, trick them, or make them look foolish.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To cleverly deceive or trick someone into a disadvantageous position.
"He thought he could get one over on the tax office, but they caught up with him eventually."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
To gain a satisfying advantage over a rival or competitor.
"She was delighted to finally get one over on her old rival at the regional championship."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Often used in competitive or playful contexts. Implies a degree of cunning or cleverness on the part of the subject. Can be used with admiration or disapproval depending on context.
Commonly used with
rival competitor boss try to manage to always sibling
Forms
Base
get one over on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gets one over on
he/she/it
Past simple
got one over on
yesterday
Past participle
got/gotten one over on
have + pp
-ing form
getting one over on
continuous
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Synonyms
outwit deceive trick outmanoeuvre put one over on get the better of
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