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."
inseparable
get one over on
B2 informal inseparable transitive
To succeed in deceiving, tricking, or gaining an advantage over someone.
In plain English
To win against someone, trick them, or make them look foolish.
What does "get one over on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
inseparable
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "get one over on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
rival competitor boss try to manage to always sibling
How to conjugate "get one over on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "get one over on" in the wild
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Other ways to say "get one over on"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
deceive get the better of outmanoeuvre outwit put one over on trick
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