try it on

B2 informal inseparable intransitive

In simple words

To deliberately test whether you can get away with bad behavior or tricking someone.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

uncommon

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."

Grammar: inseparable

2 B2 idiomatic informal

uncommon

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."

Grammar: inseparable

Usage notes

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.

Commonly used with

children customers boss teacher inspector

Forms

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

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Synonyms

push one's luck take liberties chance it pull a fast one test the limits

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