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put one over

B2 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words

To successfully fool or cheat someone.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

To successfully deceive or trick someone into believing something false or doing something against their interest.

"He tried to put one over on the customs officers by hiding cash in his luggage."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Common in both American and British English. Usually followed by 'on': 'put one over on someone.' Often used with a tone of competitive triumph or suspicion.

Commonly used with

me the referee the audience management the system everyone

Forms

Base
put one over
I/you/we/they
3rd person
puts one over
he/she/it
Past simple
put one over
yesterday
Past participle
put one over
have + pp
-ing form
putting one over
continuous

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Synonyms

deceive trick con fool put one across outsmart

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