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."
inseparable
get over on
C1 informal inseparable transitive
To deceive, trick, or successfully manipulate someone.
In plain English
To trick someone or fool them into believing or doing something.
What does "get over on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
inseparable
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "get over on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
try to cannot managed to people system teacher boss
How to conjugate "get over on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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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