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[0978] Pull a fast one

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English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • To deceive or trick someone, often quickly and cleverly, usually for personal gain.

Origin

  • The exact origin is uncertain, dating back to the early 20th century.
  • It likely relates to sleight-of-hand tricks or scams where the deception happens quickly (fast).
  • Think of a magician pulling something out quickly or a con artist executing a swift move in a scam (like a three-card monte). Pulling implies executing a maneuver or trick.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Trick someone
  • Deceive someone
  • Rip someone off (especially financially)
  • Con someone
  • Dupe someone
  • Put one over on someone
  • Take someone for a ride

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Scam someone
  • Hoodwink someone
  • Bamboozle someone
  • Play someone
  • Run game on someone (AAVE influence)

Vulgar/Emphatic:

  • Screw someone over
  • Fuck someone over

Milder/Formal:

  • Mislead someone
  • Defraud someone (More legalistic)
  • Engage in deceptive practices

Situational Appropriateness

  • Informal.
  • Common in everyday conversation when discussing unfair treatment or scams.
  • Avoid in formal complaints or legal documents where more precise terms like deception or fraud are needed.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • The meaning is entirely figurative. It has nothing to do with pulling something physically quickly. Emphasize the element of trickery or deception.

Examples

  • I think the mechanic tried to pull a fast one on me by charging for unnecessary repairs.
  • He pulled a fast one by switching the price tags before checking out.
  • Don't try to pull a fast one; I know exactly how much this should cost.

Dialogue

Alice: This bill seems really high for just an oil change.

Bob: Let me see... Whoa, they charged you for a new air filter, but yours looked fine last week.

Alice: Seriously? I think they tried to pull a fast one on me!

Bob: Yeah, you should definitely question that charge.

Social Media Examples

  • Tweet: Warning: Watch out for emails claiming you won a prize. They're just trying to pull a fast one and get your info! #scamalert #phishing
  • Facebook Post: Felt like the vendor at the market tried to pull a fast one with the change. Always count your money! #TravelTips #StreetSmarts
  • Reddit Comment: OP, sounds like your landlord is trying to pull a fast one with that deposit charge. Check your lease agreement.

Response Patterns

If accused:

  • Denial: No, I wouldn't do that!, What are you talking about?
  • Admission/Guilt: (Less common directly) Might stammer or look guilty.

If hearing about someone else pulling a fast one:

  • Disbelief/Shock: Really?, No way!, That's terrible!
  • Condemnation: That's so dishonest., What a jerk.
  • Curiosity: What happened?, How did they do it?

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After someone says I think they tried to pull a fast one:

  • Asking for details: What did they do?, How do you know?
  • Offering advice/support: Did you confront them?, You should report that.

After realizing someone pulled a fast one:

  • Confronting the person.
  • Taking action to rectify the situation (e.g., demanding a refund, reporting the scam).
  • Warning others.

Conversation Starter

  • No. Typically used to describe or react to a deceptive act within a conversation.

Intonation

  • Stress often falls on PULL and FAST. PULL a FAST one. Usually said with suspicion or accusation.

Generation Differences

  • Widely understood across generations.

Regional Variations

  • Common in most major English-speaking regions (US, UK, Canada, Australia).
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