1 B2 idiomatic informal
British informal: to attempt to deceive someone or to behave badly, testing whether you will be caught or face consequences.
"Don't try it on with me — I know exactly what you're up to."
inseparable
try it on
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
British informal: to behave badly or attempt to deceive someone, especially to see if you can get away with it.
In plain English
To deliberately test whether you can get away with bad behavior or tricking someone.
What does "try it on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
British informal: (of a child) to misbehave deliberately to see how much they can get away with.
"Kids always try it on when there's a substitute teacher."
inseparable
Usage tip
Distinctly British English. Often used about children testing a parent's boundaries, employees testing a manager's limits, or customers trying to cheat a business. Frequently used with 'with' (e.g., 'don't try it on with me'). Not widely understood in American English.
Words that pair with "try it on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
children customers boss teacher inspector
How to conjugate "try it on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
try it on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tries it on
he/she/it
Past simple
tried it on
yesterday
Past participle
tried it on
have + pp
-ing form
trying it on
continuous
Hear "try it on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "try it on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "try it on"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
chance it pull a fast one push one's luck take liberties test the limits
Keep exploring
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