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."
inseparable
put one over
B2 informal inseparable transitive
To deceive or trick someone; to gain an advantage through cunning.
In plain English
To successfully fool or cheat someone.
What does "put one over" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "put one over"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
me the referee the audience management the system everyone
How to conjugate "put one over"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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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Other ways to say "put one over"
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