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get over on

C1 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words

To trick someone or fool them into believing or doing something.

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic informal

To successfully trick or deceive someone.

"Don't think you can get over on me — I know exactly what you're doing."

Grammar: inseparable
2 C1 idiomatic informal

To exploit or take advantage of someone's trust or naivety.

"He got over on his clients for years before anyone noticed the fraud."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

More common in American English, particularly in AAVE. Often used to describe someone who has been successfully deceived or manipulated. Can carry a tone of admiration for the trickster or sympathy for the victim.

Commonly used with

try to cannot managed to people system teacher boss

Forms

Base
get over on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gets over on
he/she/it
Past simple
got over on
yesterday
Past participle
got/gotten over on
have + pp
-ing form
getting over on
continuous

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Synonyms

deceive trick fool con hoodwink get one over on

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