be swindled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be swindled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of being deceived or cheated, typically in a financial context. Example: "He was too trusting and ended up being swindled out of his life savings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

He expected to be swindled.

The Economist

Nobody wants to be swindled twice.

The Economist

The only thing that would have made it worse would have been to be swindled on the ride home.

The New York Times

"The propensities to swindle and be swindled run parallel to the propensity to speculate during a boom," he wrote.

The New York Times

Along the way, millions of dollars would be swindled from hapless investors and Belfort would consume enough drugs to, as he puts it, "sedate Guatemala".

Independent

And so the band's music was dangerous because of its very harmlessness; its success suggested that rock fans could be swindled or lulled into liking anything, meaning that the genre itself had been rendered obsolete.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Still, those who feel they were swindled remain angry.

The New York Times - Sports

They were swindled, like a lot of other people".

The New York Times

"He was swindled and he described it as a setup".

The New York Times

Then they investigated and found that they had been swindled.

The New Yorker

The court said there was proof that $23.5 million of that sum had been swindled.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be swindled", ensure you clearly identify who was swindled and, if possible, the object or amount that was swindled. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "be swindled" when the subject actively participated in a risky venture. "Be swindled" implies a lack of awareness or consent, while active participation suggests a gamble gone wrong, not necessarily a swindle.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be swindled" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence is the recipient of the action, meaning someone has performed the act of swindling upon them. As Ludwig indicates, it suggests the state of having been defrauded or cheated.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

16%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be swindled" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe someone who has been deceived or cheated, especially financially. Ludwig confirms its correct usage and identifies news sources and wiki as primary contexts. While synonyms like "be defrauded" or "be cheated" exist, "be swindled" specifically suggests an elaborate scheme, reinforcing the victim's sense of betrayal. When writing, ensure the context clearly indicates who was swindled and what was lost to maximize clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be cheated

A general term for being treated unfairly or dishonestly.

be defrauded

Implies a more formal and legalistic context of being cheated.

be deceived

Emphasizes the act of being misled or given false information.

be conned

Suggests a persuasive and manipulative form of deception.

be duped

Implies foolishness or gullibility in being deceived.

fall victim to a scam

Highlights that the act was part of a larger fraudulent plan.

be fleeced

Suggests being relieved of money or possessions in a ruthless manner.

be hoodwinked

Implies being tricked by cunning or deceitful means.

be bilked

Similar to fleeced, but can also refer to evading payment.

be taken for a ride

An idiomatic expression for being deceived or exploited.

FAQs

How do I use "be swindled" in a sentence?

Use "be swindled" to describe someone who has been tricked or cheated, often financially. For example, "The investor feared he would "be swindled" out of his savings."

What's the difference between "be swindled" and "be cheated"?

"Be cheated" is a broader term, while "be swindled" often implies a more elaborate or deceptive scheme involving money or valuable assets. You can "be cheated" in a game, but you're more likely to "be swindled" in an investment.

What can I say instead of "be swindled"?

You can use alternatives like "be defrauded", "be conned", or "be duped", depending on the specific type of deception involved.

Is it always about money when someone "is swindled"?

While "be swindled" most often relates to financial trickery, it can also describe being deceived out of something else of value, such as property or an opportunity. The key element is that the person experienced deception.