Cheating isn’t just something that happens on a test. It can show up in a card game, a business deal, or even a friendship. Maybe someone “pulled a fast one” or “played dirty” to get ahead. In the USA, people use lots of idioms to talk about cheating without saying the word itself.
These phrases make tough topics easier to explain. Saying someone “bent the rules” or “lied through their teeth” tells us a lot in just a few words. You might hear them in school, in movies, or when grown-ups are talking. Once you understand these sayings, you’ll start spotting them everywhere and you’ll know exactly what they mean.
Idioms About Cheating
1. Two-Time
Meaning: To two-time someone means to cheat in a relationship by secretly dating or spending time with another person. It’s used when someone is dishonest about love, often hiding the truth to avoid being caught.
Example Sentence:
• He two-timed his girlfriend by going out with someone else.
• She felt heartbroken when she found out she was being two-timed.
• In the movie, the main character gets two-timed by his best friend.
• Everyone warned her not to trust him because he had a habit of two-timing.
Other ways to say: Cheat on, be unfaithful, step out (informal)
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase comes from the idea of dividing your “time” between two people in secret. It became popular in the U.S. during the 1920s, especially in songs and romantic dramas where someone gets betrayed in love.
Usage/Cultural Notes: “Two-time” is informal and mostly used in everyday speech, songs, and TV shows. It’s well known in American English and also used in British and Australian English. Teenagers and adults say it, especially when talking about dating or breakups. You won’t hear it in formal settings like school or business.
2. Play Dirty
Meaning: To play dirty means to cheat or act unfairly to win. It’s used when someone breaks or bends the rules just to get an advantage, especially when they’re losing.
Example Sentence:
• The team played dirty by breaking the rules to win.
• He always plays dirty when he’s losing a video game.
• They accused the company of playing dirty to beat their competitors.
• She said, “If you play dirty, don’t expect people to trust you again.”
Other ways to say: Cheat, bend the rules, cut corners
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase started in sports like boxing and football. In those games, “playing dirty” meant using rough or sneaky moves that broke the rules without getting caught.
Usage/Cultural Notes: This idiom is informal and used widely in the U.S., U.K., and Australia. It’s popular in sports, business, and casual arguments. Kids and adults use it, especially when someone wins in a way that feels wrong. You wouldn’t hear it in formal writing or serious speeches, but it’s very common in everyday conversations.
3. Pull a Fast One
Meaning: To pull a fast one means to quickly trick or cheat someone in a clever way. It’s usually done before the other person even knows what happened.
Example Sentence:
• He pulled a fast one by sneaking an extra candy.
• She pulled a fast one on her brother during the card game.
• The salesman pulled a fast one by charging more than the real price.
• Don’t try to pull a fast one on the teacher—she’ll notice right away.
Other ways to say: Trick, fool, play a prank
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase became popular in early 1900s American slang. It started in games and business, where people used quick actions to cheat others before they realized it.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Used often in the U.S., U.K., and Canada. It’s informal and playful when used around kids or friends but more serious in business or adult talk. You might hear it in movies or when someone feels like they’ve been tricked quickly.
4. Bend the Rules
Meaning: To bend the rules means not to follow the rules exactly, but not completely break them either. It often helps someone get what they want.
Example Sentence:
• He bent the rules to win the race.
• She bent the rules to get out of homework.
• The coach bent the rules so everyone could play.
• Sometimes parents bend the rules to make kids happy.
Other ways to say: Cheat a little, stretch the truth, take liberties
Fun Fact/Origin: The idea comes from bending a stick—changing its shape without snapping it. This became a way to talk about being flexible with rules without fully breaking them.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Used in the U.S., U.K., and Australia. It’s common in casual talk and sometimes even sounds helpful or kind. Still, in serious areas like law or work, it may sound dishonest.
5. Cook the Books
Meaning: To cook the books means to cheat by changing money records to hide the truth. People do this to look richer or avoid trouble.
Example Sentence:
• The store owner cooked the books to hide the missing money.
• He got in trouble for cooking the books at work.
• The company cooked the books to impress investors.
• The accountant refused to cook the books, even when pressured.
Other ways to say: Fake records, lie about money, fudge the numbers
Fun Fact/Origin: It compares dishonest bookkeeping to cooking—mixing things together to change how they look. The phrase became common in the 1900s, especially in business stories.
Usage/Cultural Notes: This idiom is used across the U.S., U.K., and Australia. It’s informal but serious, often used in news or politics. It’s not used by kids but heard in business, law, or when talking about financial cheating.
6. Cheat Sheet
Meaning: A cheat sheet is a small note with answers or facts, often used secretly during a test. It can also mean a helpful summary for studying.
Example Sentence:
• He was caught using a cheat sheet during the math quiz.
• She hid a cheat sheet in her sleeve.
• I made a cheat sheet for my science terms—just for studying.
• The teacher gave us a cheat sheet to help remember formulas.
Other ways to say: Answer key, secret notes, quick guide
Fun Fact/Origin: “Cheat sheet” started as a term for sneaky school notes. But now, it also means a useful, legal summary in tech or work.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Used by students and adults in the U.S. and U.K. In school, it often means cheating. In business or tech, it means a helpful tool. It’s informal but very common.
7. On the Sly
Meaning: To do something on the sly means doing it secretly, often to avoid getting caught. It’s usually something sneaky or not allowed.
Example Sentence:
• He took extra snacks on the sly.
• She read the answers on the sly during the test.
• The kids played video games on the sly after bedtime.
• He made deals on the sly without telling his boss.
Other ways to say: Secretly, quietly, in hiding
Fun Fact/Origin: “Sly” means clever in a sneaky way. This phrase started in British English in the 1700s and is still used today.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in the U.S., U.K., and Australia. It’s used by both kids and adults. Often sounds playful when used about children, but more negative in grown-up situations.
8. Break the Rules
Meaning: To break the rules means to ignore or go against the rules completely. It’s used when someone does what they’re not supposed to.
Example Sentence:
• He broke the rules by looking at his friend’s paper.
• She broke the rules by starting early.
• Some athletes break the rules to win unfairly.
• Sometimes artists break the rules to create something new.
Other ways to say: Disobey, cheat, go against the rules
Fun Fact/Origin: This is one of the most basic idioms about cheating. It’s used in many languages and shows up often in schools, sports, and games.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Very common in English worldwide. Easy to understand and used in everyday talk. Kids, teens, and adults all use it. It can sound serious or casual, depending on the situation.
9. Under the Table
Meaning: Under the table means something is done secretly and often illegally, especially when it involves money.
Example Sentence:
• He got paid under the table to avoid taxes.
• She took the prize under the table without winning.
• They made an under-the-table deal to sell the tickets.
• The workers were paid under the table to keep costs low.
Other ways to say: In secret, illegally, hidden deal
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the idea of secretly passing money or items under a table where no one can see.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Used in American and British English, especially when talking about dishonest work or business deals. It’s informal and sounds shady, often connected with avoiding rules.
10. Lie Through Your Teeth
Meaning: To lie through your teeth means to tell a bold and obvious lie without even trying to hide it.
Example Sentence:
• He lied through his teeth about finishing his homework.
• She lied through her teeth when asked if she cheated.
• The witness lied through his teeth in court.
• Everyone knew he was lying through his teeth, but he kept smiling.
Other ways to say: Tell a bold lie, be dishonest, flat-out lie
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase has been around since the 1500s. It paints a picture of a lie so strong that it seems to be coming right out of someone’s smile.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Used in the U.S., U.K., and Australia. It’s informal but strong. Often said by adults when calling out serious lies. It’s not playful and usually means someone is knowingly dishonest.
11. Take a Shortcut
Meaning: This means skipping part of the work to finish faster, even if it’s not honest. People say it when someone tries to cheat a little to save time or effort.
Example Sentence:
• He took a shortcut by copying his friend’s homework.
• She took a shortcut and didn’t read the book before the quiz.
• They took a shortcut during the game and got caught.
• We saw him take a shortcut by skipping the hard questions.
Other ways to say: Cut corners, skip steps, cheat the system
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase started from walking paths some people would cut across a corner or field instead of following the full road. It saved time but wasn’t always allowed.
Usage/Cultural Notes: This idiom is common in the USA and fits informal situations like school, work, or sports. It’s often used when someone breaks the rules to get ahead. In British English, “cutting corners” is more commonly used than “take a shortcut” when referring to cheating. While kids might hear it at school, adults use it too when talking about unfair advantages.
12. Fudge the Numbers
Meaning: To fudge the numbers means to change numbers in a sneaky way to make things look better than they really are. It usually means someone is not telling the full truth with the math.
Example Sentence:
• He fudged the numbers to make his test score look higher.
• She fudged the numbers in her budget to hide how much she spent.
• They fudged the numbers on the report to avoid getting in trouble.
• The store owner fudged the numbers on the receipt.
Other ways to say: Change the facts, mess with the math, cheat on numbers
Fun Fact/Origin: “Fudge” used to mean something fake or nonsense. In the 1700s, sailors used it to describe lies. That’s how it became linked to false numbers.
Usage/Cultural Notes: This idiom is informal and used by adults more often than kids, especially in jobs with money or reports. In American English, it’s common in news or business talk. British speakers may say “cook the books” instead. It’s usually said when someone is trying to look better by cheating quietly.
13. Rig the Game
Meaning: To rig the game means to set things up so someone wins unfairly. It’s used when the result is decided before the game or contest even starts.
Example Sentence:
• He rigged the game by hiding extra cards in his sleeve.
• The race was rigged so his brother would win.
• She rigged the game by giving herself better tools.
• They found out someone rigged the contest results.
Other ways to say: Fix the result, cheat to win, set it up
Fun Fact/Origin: The word “rig” was first used in sailing, meaning to set up a ship. Over time, it began to mean secretly setting something up unfairly—like fixing a game.
Usage/Cultural Notes: This idiom is often used in casual American English, especially in sports, games, or contests. It’s also heard in politics or business when people think something isn’t fair. In British English, people say “fix the match” more often. Kids might hear it when talking about board games or school contests.
14. Pull Strings
Meaning: To pull strings means using secret power or special favors to get something you want. It usually means getting help in a way that others can’t see or don’t have.
Example Sentence:
• He pulled strings to get his cousin into the team.
• She pulled some strings to skip the long line.
• His dad pulled strings to help him get the job.
• They pulled strings so their friend could win the prize.
Other ways to say: Use influence, get special help, use connections
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from puppets. Puppets are moved by strings, so pulling strings means someone is being secretly controlled or helped behind the scenes.
Usage/Cultural Notes: “Pull strings” is often used in American English to show unfair advantage through friends or family. It’s informal and common in adult conversations about work or favors. In the UK, people might say “pull a few strings” with the same meaning. It’s not about cheating in games but more about using power behind the scenes.
15. Blow the Whistle
Meaning: To blow the whistle means to report someone who is cheating or doing something wrong. It’s like telling the truth even if it causes trouble.
Example Sentence:
• She blew the whistle on the students who were cheating.
• He didn’t want to blow the whistle on his friend.
• The worker blew the whistle about the unsafe machines.
• They blew the whistle on a scam at the store.
Other ways to say: Report, tell on someone, speak up
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from sports. Referees blow a whistle when a player breaks the rules. Now, it means calling out any kind of bad behavior, not just in sports.
Usage/Cultural Notes: In the USA, this phrase is used in school, work, or government situations. It’s informal but serious. People who do this are often called “whistleblowers.” In British English, it’s used the same way. Kids use “tell on” more, but adults say “blow the whistle” in jobs and news stories. It often involves courage, because the person may face trouble for speaking up.
16. Grease Someone’s Palm
Meaning: To grease someone’s palm means to secretly pay them to do something dishonest. It’s like giving money to get unfair help or break the rules.
Example Sentence:
• He greased the guard’s palm to sneak into the concert.
• She greased someone’s palm to get a better seat.
• They greased the official’s palm to win the permit.
• He greased a worker’s palm to skip the waiting list.
Other ways to say: Bribe, pay off, slip some money
Fun Fact/Origin: “Grease” means oil, and a “palm” is your hand. Long ago, giving someone money secretly meant slipping it into their palm like oiling it so things would slide your way.
Usage/Cultural Notes: This idiom is more common in American adult speech than with kids. It often refers to business or political situations where rules are bent for money. In British English, “grease his hand” is a similar phrase. It’s informal and usually said when talking about secret deals or shady actions. People often use it in a whisper or joking way, since it involves cheating.
17. Cut Corners
Meaning: To cut corners means to do something quickly by skipping steps, even if it means the work isn’t done right. It often means cheating a little to save time or effort.
Example Sentence:
• He cut corners on the science project and got a low grade.
• She cut corners by not checking her answers.
• They cut corners to finish early but missed important steps.
• We cut corners and didn’t read the instructions.
Other ways to say: Skip steps, rush through, take the easy way
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase comes from racing or walking—if you cut across a corner, you skip part of the path. It’s faster but not always fair or safe.
Usage/Cultural Notes: In both American and British English, this idiom is very common. Adults and kids use it, especially in school, work, or cooking. It’s informal and used when someone does less than they should. In Australia, the same phrase is used too. It usually means the result won’t be as good because someone didn’t do it properly.
18. Have an Ace Up Your Sleeve
Meaning: To have an ace up your sleeve means to keep a secret plan or trick to use later. It often means someone has an advantage they haven’t shown yet.
Example Sentence:
• He had an ace up his sleeve during the card game.
• She surprised everyone—turns out she had an ace up her sleeve.
• They thought they won, but he had an ace up his sleeve.
• The coach had an ace up his sleeve for the final play.
Other ways to say: Keep a secret plan, have a hidden trick, hold a surprise
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from card games. A player who hides an ace in their sleeve is cheating, using it only when needed to win.
Usage/Cultural Notes: In American English, it’s used both seriously and playfully to mean someone has a hidden advantage. It’s common among adults in business or sports talk. In British English, it’s used similarly. Though it started with cheating, today it often just means being smart or clever. Kids may hear it in stories or games.
19. Skim Off the Top
Meaning: To skim off the top means to secretly take a small part of something, often money, for yourself. It’s a quiet way of cheating without anyone noticing right away.
Example Sentence:
• He skimmed off the top of the fundraiser money.
• She got caught skimming off the top at her job.
• They skimmed off the top during the lunch sales.
• Someone was skimming off the top of the weekly earnings.
Other ways to say: Take a little for yourself, steal quietly, pocket extra
Fun Fact/Origin: “Skimming” means taking the top layer off something. It was first used for cooking (like removing cream), but later used for stealing small amounts secretly.
Usage/Cultural Notes: In the USA, this idiom is mostly used in business or money situations. It’s informal and usually heard in news, crime shows, or office talk. In British English, it’s less common—people may say “on the take” or “pocketing money.” It’s used when someone is being sneaky and dishonest, especially with money.
20. Cry Wolf
Meaning: To cry wolf means to lie or warn people too many times when there’s no real problem. After a while, no one believes you, even if you’re telling the truth.
Example Sentence:
• He cried wolf so often that no one listened when it was real.
• She cried wolf about being sick and now the teacher doesn’t believe her.
• They cried wolf to get attention, but it stopped working.
• Don’t cry wolf or people won’t trust you anymore.
Other ways to say: Tell lies, raise false alarm, fake a problem
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from an old fable about a shepherd boy who lied about a wolf. When a real wolf came, no one believed him, and his sheep were eaten.
Usage/Cultural Notes: “Cry wolf” is used in both American and British English and is often told to kids as a lesson in honesty. It’s informal and found in stories, school lessons, and everyday talk. It teaches why lying can make people stop trusting you even when you’re finally telling the truth.
21. Fishy Behavior
Meaning: Fishy behavior means something seems sneaky or not honest. People use it when actions don’t feel right, even if they can’t prove it.
Example Sentence:
• His actions during the test were fishy.
• It was fishy that she finished so quickly.
• The deal sounded fishy to everyone.
• That answer looked fishy, like it was copied.
Other ways to say: Suspicious, not right, something’s off
Fun Fact/Origin: “Fishy” has been used since the 1800s to describe something that smells strange or wrong—just like how a bad fish smells off. It became a way to describe lies or shady actions.
Usage/Cultural Notes: In American English, “fishy” is a casual way to say something doesn’t seem true. British speakers use it too, sometimes adding “dodgy.” It’s used by both kids and adults. You’ll hear it in school, family talks, and even in movies when someone doubts a story or excuse.
22. Play the System
Meaning: To play the system means to use clever tricks to get around the rules without breaking them clearly. It’s a sneaky way to get ahead.
Example Sentence:
• He played the system to get extra points on the test.
• She played the system and skipped the lunch line.
• They played the system to win the prize faster.
• He knows how to play the system at school.
Other ways to say: Trick the rules, cheat smart, work the loophole
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom began being used when people found smart ways to bend rules to win or benefit—without being caught directly cheating.
Usage/Cultural Notes: “Play the system” is common in the USA in casual talk, especially about government, school, or business rules. In British English, people might say “work the system” instead. It’s often used by adults, but kids may hear it when someone figures out how to avoid chores or homework rules.
23. Fix the Outcome
Meaning: Fix the outcome means to unfairly make sure a result turns out the way someone wants. It’s not honest and often planned in secret.
Example Sentence:
• They fixed the outcome so their team would win.
• He fixed the outcome by making a secret deal.
• She fixed the outcome by changing the scores.
• The judge fixed the outcome of the contest.
Other ways to say: Rig the result, cheat the system, set it up
Fun Fact/Origin: “Fix” used to mean just “set” or “make steady.” Over time, it came to mean changing things unfairly especially in sports or contests.
Usage/Cultural Notes: In American English, this idiom is used when people talk about unfair wins in games, politics, or jobs. In the UK, people say “rig the result” more often. It’s common in news reports or when someone feels cheated. Kids may hear it during games when something doesn’t seem fair.
24. Turn a Blind Eye
Meaning: To turn a blind eye means to pretend not to see someone doing something wrong. It’s like ignoring a problem on purpose.
Example Sentence:
• The teacher turned a blind eye when the student peeked.
• He turned a blind eye to his friend’s cheating.
• She turned a blind eye to the rule-breaking.
• They turned a blind eye during the game.
Other ways to say: Ignore, look away, pretend not to see
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from a British naval hero, Admiral Nelson. He had one blind eye and once held a telescope to it so he could “not see” a signal he didn’t want to follow.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Used in both American and British English, this idiom is common in school, work, and parenting talk. Adults say it when someone avoids dealing with a problem. It can sound gentle or serious, depending on the situation. Kids hear it when adults choose not to punish small mistakes.
25. Lead Someone On
Meaning: To lead someone on means to make them believe something that isn’t true. It’s often used when someone gives false hope or lies to get something.
Example Sentence:
• He led her on and said he didn’t cheat.
• She was led on to think everything was fine.
• They led him on just to win the game.
• He led his classmates on finishing the project.
Other ways to say: Mislead, lie to, give false hope
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase has been used for many years, especially in relationships or games. It means leading someone like a guide but in the wrong direction.
Usage/Cultural Notes: “Lead someone on” is used in both American and British English, but it’s more common in emotional situations like friendships or dating. Kids may hear it in stories or shows. Adults often use it when someone feels tricked into trusting the wrong person.
26. Fast Talker
Meaning:
A fast talker is someone who uses clever or quick words to lie, cheat, or get out of trouble. They speak so fast it’s hard to catch what’s really going on.
Example Sentence:
• He’s a fast talker who always gets out of trouble.
• She used fast talking to cheat her way through the project.
• That fast talker tricked us into buying junk.
• He fast-talked the teacher into giving him another chance.
Other ways to say: Smooth liar, tricky speaker, slick talker
Fun Fact/Origin: The idea of “fast talking” started in American sales and street deals. It described people who speak quickly to distract or confuse you while they trick you.
Usage/Cultural Notes: In the USA, “fast talker” is common in casual speech. It’s often used to describe salespeople, classmates, or anyone who talks their way out of trouble. In British English, a similar phrase is “silver-tongued.” It’s not always meant as a compliment, it often means the person can’t be trusted.
27. Take for a Ride
Meaning: To take someone for a ride means to trick or cheat them badly. It often means lying or stealing while pretending to be friendly.
Example Sentence:
• He took me for a ride and stole my money.
• She got taken for a ride in the contest.
• They took the new student for a ride with a fake story.
• He took his friend for a ride and didn’t return the borrowed bike.
Other ways to say: Trick, fool, scam
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase started in American English in the early 1900s. In old gangster stories, it meant taking someone on a car ride to hurt or scare them but now it just means being tricked.
Usage/Cultural Notes: In American English, “take for a ride” is informal and used when someone feels fooled or cheated. British speakers use it too, but less often. It’s more common among adults and teens. Kids may hear it in stories or when someone gets tricked during a game or trade.
28. Fake It
Meaning: To fake it means to pretend to do something honestly when you’re not. It’s used when someone acts like they know or feel something they really don’t.
Example Sentence:
• He faked it during the group project and didn’t really help.
• She faked knowing the answers on the test.
• They faked being sick to skip class.
• He faked it to fit in with the older kids.
Other ways to say: Pretend, act, put on a show
Fun Fact/Origin: The word “fake” comes from old English and German words meaning “to make or shape.” It became popular in the 1800s to describe something made to fool people.
Usage/Cultural Notes: “Fake it” is widely used in American English and often heard in phrases like “fake it till you make it.” In the UK, it’s used the same way. It’s common among kids and adults, especially in school, acting, or awkward social situations. It doesn’t always mean cheating, sometimes it’s about confidence but in school or tests, it often means pretending without doing the work.
29. Get Off the Hook
Meaning: To get off the hook means to escape trouble or avoid blame, especially after doing something wrong.
Example Sentence:
• He got off the hook even though he cheated.
• She didn’t get punished and got off the hook.
• They got off the hook when the teacher forgot to check.
• He got off the hook because no one told him.
Other ways to say: Escape trouble, avoid blame, get away with it
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from fishing. When a fish escapes the hook, it swims away free. That’s how it came to mean someone getting out of trouble.
Usage/Cultural Notes: “Get off the hook” is common in American and British English. It’s used by all ages when talking about school, family rules, or work. Kids might hear it when someone avoids chores or punishment. It often carries the idea that the person didn’t really deserve to be let go.
30. Beat the System
Meaning: To beat the system means to find a clever way to cheat the rules and still win or get what you want.
Example Sentence:
• He beat the system to get more snacks from the vending machine.
• She beat the system to skip homework.
• They beat the system and got free movie tickets.
• He beat the system by using a trick for extra credit.
Other ways to say: Trick the rules, cheat smart, find a loophole
Fun Fact/Origin: “Beat” means to win. When people say “beat the system,” they mean winning by working around the rules instead of following them.
Usage/Cultural Notes: This idiom is very common in the USA, especially in school and business talk. It’s used in a playful or serious way, depending on the situation. British speakers say the same phrase. Adults use it when talking about taxes, tech, or laws, while kids might use it for school or games. It often sounds clever—but not always honest.
31. Shady Deal
Meaning: A shady deal is a dishonest or sneaky plan, often made in secret to trick others or break the rules.
Example Sentence:
• That was a shady deal during the contest.
• They made a shady deal behind the teacher’s back.
• He got ahead because of a shady deal.
• She knew the prize was won through a shady deal.
Other ways to say: Secret trick, sneaky plan, under-the-table deal
Fun Fact/Origin: “Shady” means dark or hidden, just like a place with little light. It became a way to describe actions that are not clear, honest, or trustworthy.
Usage/Cultural Notes: This idiom is widely used in American English, especially in casual conversations about business, sports, or school. In British English, people might say “dodgy deal” instead. It’s informal and often sounds negative. Kids may hear it when talking about unfair trades or rule-breaking games.
32. Pull the Wool Over Someone’s Eyes
Meaning: To pull the wool over someone’s eyes means to trick them so they don’t see the truth. It’s about hiding the truth through lies or clever words.
Example Sentence:
• He pulled the wool over the teacher’s eyes.
• She pulled the wool over her friend’s eyes to hide her cheating.
• They pulled the wool over the coach’s eyes to get on the team.
• He tried to pull the wool over his parents’ eyes about his grades.
Other ways to say: Fool, lie, trick someone
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the 1600s when people wore wool wigs. If the wig slipped over the eyes, it blocked their vision—just like being tricked and not seeing the truth.
Usage/Cultural Notes: In American English, this phrase is often used in stories, school talks, or news reports. British English uses it the same way. It’s informal and usually means the person who was tricked didn’t realize it until later. It’s used more by adults, but kids may hear it in books or class.
33. Cook Up a Story
Meaning: To cook up a story means to invent a lie or fake reason. It’s usually done to hide the truth or avoid getting in trouble.
Example Sentence:
• He cooked up a story to explain his test answers.
• She cooked up a story about why she didn’t do her homework.
• They cooked up a story to cover their mistake.
• He cooked up a story to stay out of trouble.
Other ways to say: Make up a lie, invent a reason, tell a false story
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from cooking. Just like mixing ingredients to make food, someone “cooks up” a story by mixing parts of lies to make it sound real.
Usage/Cultural Notes: In American English, this phrase is common in school, family, and work talk. British English also uses it in the same way. It’s informal and often used when someone is trying to sound believable but isn’t telling the truth. Kids use it when trying to avoid blame, and adults use it in stories or gossip.
34. Tell Tales
Meaning: To tell tales means to lie or tell false stories, often to cover something up or to get someone else in trouble.
Example Sentence:
• He told tales about not cheating.
• She told tales to cover for her friends.
• They told tales about what happened during the test.
• He told tales to make himself look better.
Other ways to say:
Lie, fib, make up stories
Fun Fact/Origin: The word “tale” means a story, and in this idiom, it means one that isn’t true. It’s been used this way for hundreds of years, especially with kids.
Usage/Cultural Notes: “Tell tales” is more common in British English, especially among children. In American English, people are more likely to say “tell lies” or “make up stories.” It’s often used in schools or families when kids lie or gossip. It usually has a childish tone, but adults might use it in a light or playful way.
35. Be on the Take
Meaning: To be on the take means to accept bribes or dishonest rewards. It means someone is getting paid secretly to allow cheating or bad behavior.
Example Sentence:
• The ref was on the take during the game.
• He was on the take and let cheating slide.
• They said the judge was on the take.
• She got special treatment because someone was on the take.
Other ways to say: Take bribes, be dishonest, get paid off
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from early 1900s American slang. “Take” meant accepting illegal money. It became a way to talk about people who are secretly paid to break the rules.
Usage/Cultural Notes: In American English, “on the take” is used in crime stories, news reports, and casual talk about unfair systems. It’s informal and mostly used by adults. British English has similar phrases like “taking a backhander.” It’s not often heard in kid talk, but it shows up in shows, books, or stories about cheating and corruption.
36. Bend the Rules
Meaning: To bend the rules means to change or twist the rules a little bit to help yourself or someone else, without totally breaking them.
Example Sentence:
• He bent the rules to help his friend win.
• She bent the rules to finish early.
• They bent the rules during the game.
• The teacher bent the rules for the class party.
Other ways to say: Loosen the rules, stretch the rules, go easy
Fun Fact/Origin: “Bend” means to move something without breaking it. This idiom started from the idea of bending rules like bending a stick—still in one piece but not straight.
Usage/Cultural Notes: In American and British English, this idiom is common in school, work, and sports. It’s informal and used by both kids and adults. It often sounds less serious than breaking the rules and can sometimes be seen as helpful or fair, depending on the reason.
37. Cover Your Tracks
Meaning: To cover your tracks means to hide what you did so no one finds out, especially after cheating or lying.
Example Sentence:
• He covered his tracks after changing the answers.
• She covered her tracks by deleting the message.
• They covered their tracks after sneaking out.
• He covered his tracks so the teacher wouldn’t know.
Other ways to say: Hide the truth, erase evidence, keep it secret
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from hunting. If someone covers their footprints in the snow or dirt, it’s harder to follow them. That’s how it came to mean hiding actions.
Usage/Cultural Notes: “Cover your tracks” is used in both American and British English. It’s informal and often found in crime shows, books, or school situations. Kids might use it when hiding small mistakes, while adults use it more seriously in work or legal talk.
38. Cheat Sheet
Meaning: A cheat sheet is a small paper or hidden note with answers or facts used secretly during a test.
Example Sentence:
• He brought a cheat sheet to the math test.
• She wrote a cheat sheet on her hand.
• They made cheat sheets for each other.
• He got caught using a cheat sheet during the quiz.
Other ways to say: Hidden notes, secret helper, quick answer guide
Fun Fact/Origin: Originally, “cheat sheet” was used for study notes. Later, it became known for tools used to cheat. Now, it also means quick guides used legally in work or school.
Usage/Cultural Notes: In American English, this idiom is very common, especially in schools. In British English, it’s also known, but students might call it a “crib sheet.” While it can mean honest study help today, it still mostly refers to sneaky notes used during tests.
39. Cross the Line
Meaning: To cross the line means to go too far, especially in breaking rules or being disrespectful. It’s used when someone does something that’s not okay.
Example Sentence:
• He crossed the line by copying his classmate’s test.
• She crossed the line when she said something mean.
• The team crossed the line with unfair plays.
• They crossed the line by lying to the teacher.
Other ways to say: Go too far, break the rules, push limits
Fun Fact/Origin: This comes from the idea of a line marking what’s allowed. Stepping over it means doing something wrong or off-limits.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in the U.S., U.K., and Australia. Used by adults and kids in school, sports, or daily talk. It’s informal but serious and often said by someone who feels a rule was broken or someone was hurt.
40. Have Sticky Fingers
Meaning: To have sticky fingers means to steal things, often in a sneaky or quiet way.
Example Sentence:
• He has sticky fingers—his classmates’ stuff keeps going missing.
• She was caught with sticky fingers at the store.
• The teacher joked that someone had sticky fingers after the markers disappeared.
• He got in trouble for having sticky fingers during the school trip.
Other ways to say: Steal, take without asking, pocket things
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the idea that sticky hands pick up things and don’t let go like someone taking things they shouldn’t.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Used mostly in American English, but also in British slang. Often playful when said about kids but serious when adults use it in crime or theft situations.
41. Talk Your Way Out of It
Meaning: To talk your way out of it means to use clever words to avoid trouble or punishment.
Example Sentence:
• He talked his way out of getting detention.
• She talked her way out of cleaning up after class.
• They always talk their way out of being blamed.
• He tried to talk his way out of being caught.
Other ways to say: Excuse yourself, smooth talk, explain away
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom grew popular in American English, especially in the 1900s, as a way to describe escaping blame with clever talking.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in U.S. schools, families, and business. British English uses similar phrases like “talk your way round it.” Often used for clever kids, sneaky friends, or talkative co-workers.
42. Stretch the Truth
Meaning: To stretch the truth means to tell a lie by exaggerating or making something sound bigger or better than it really is.
Example Sentence:
• He stretched the truth about how many books he read.
• She stretched the truth in her story about the game.
• They stretched the truth to get extra help.
• He always stretches the truth to impress others.
Other ways to say: Exaggerate, bend the facts, twist the story
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom compares truth to something you can pull or stretch—changing its shape but still keeping parts of it.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Used across English-speaking countries. Sounds less serious than lying, and often used with kids, friends, or in storytelling. Adults may use it in jokes or to call out small lies.
43. Bluff
Meaning: To bluff means to pretend or lie, especially to trick others into believing you’re stronger or more sure than you really are.
Example Sentence:
• He bluffed about knowing the answers.
• She bluffed her way through the class presentation.
• They bluffed to scare the other team.
• He bluffed and said he studied, but he didn’t.
Other ways to say: Fake it, pretend, put on a front
Fun Fact/Origin: Bluff comes from old card games, where players pretend to have a strong hand to win. It became popular in American poker and later spread to everyday talk.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Very common in U.S. and British English. Often used in games, sports, and school situations. It can sound playful or serious depending on the setting.
Quiz: Idioms About Cheating
Instructions: Read each question and the answer choices carefully. Pick the letter that best matches the meaning of the phrase or expression.
Question Key
1. What does “two-time” mean?
A) To study twice a day
B) To cheat on someone in a relationship
C) To do the same thing two times
2. If someone “pulls a fast one,” what are they doing?
A) Moving very quickly
B) Playing a trick or cheating
C) Cleaning up fast
3. What does it mean to “bend the rules”?
A) To break or change the rules a little
B) To make new rules
C) To follow every rule
4. If a person “plays dirty,” what are they doing?
A) They play outside
B) They don’t follow the rules and cheat
C) They wear messy clothes
5. What does “have an ace up your sleeve” mean?
A) Hide a card in your clothes
B) Have a secret advantage or trick
C) Wear a cool outfit
6. What does “cut corners” mean?
A) Take the long path
B) Walk in a square
C) Skip steps to do something faster or easier
7. If someone “turns a blind eye,” what are they doing?
A) Closing their eyes to sleep
B) Pretending not to see someone cheating
C) Wearing glasses
8. What does “on the sly” mean?
A) Doing something in the sky
B) Doing something secretly, often wrong
C) Flying a kite
9. If someone is “on the take,” what are they doing?
A) Taking pictures
B) Taking a test
C) Taking money for something dishonest
10. What does “cook the books” mean?
A) Make a book in the kitchen
B) Read a lot of books
C) Change numbers or records to cheat
Answer Key
- B – To cheat on someone in a relationship
- B – Playing a trick or cheating
- A – To break or change the rules a little
- B – They don’t follow the rules and cheat
- B – Have a secret advantage or trick
- C – Skip steps to do something faster or easier
- B – Pretending not to see someone cheating
- B – Doing something secretly, often wrong
- C – Taking money for something dishonest
- C – Change numbers or records to cheat
Wrapping Up
Cheating can happen in many places, like school, sports, or even friendships. In the USA, people use idioms to talk about these situations in a clear and simple way. These phrases help us describe actions that are sneaky or unfair without saying too much.
Now that you’ve learned them, you can use these idioms to explain when someone is not playing fair. Knowing the right words makes it easier to speak up and stay honest yourself. Playing fair is always the better choice.
