cheat yourself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cheat yourself" is not correct and cannot be used in written English.
Instead, you can use the phrase "fool yourself," which has a similar meaning. For example, "If you fool yourself into thinking you can win, you're just setting yourself up for disappointment."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

But don't cheat yourself by skipping ahead.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The sad truth is that there isn't really any way to cheat yourself thin.

Independent

But don't cheat yourself out of a more secure future because you're comfortable today.

The New York Times

If you don't work hard off the field, he said, you cheat yourself, your teammates and your family.

The New York Times - Sports

It's important, too, to analyze market opportunities and pricing bloodlessly so you don't cheat yourself, as some contend the city did with the parking meter deal.

The New York Times

To accord it this treatment, though, is to risk betraying its improvisatory, mischievous spirit, and to cheat yourself of its impish delights.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

As a child, you probably heard at least one teacher say, "If you cheat, you'll only be cheating yourself". Of course, that didn't usually stop that kid who rolled up his sleeves during tests to reveal the answers he'd written on his arms.

Forbes

You're not only cheating the audience, the people that are going to buy your records, but I think you're cheating yourself". Campbell moved on to Stax Records after Chess folded in 1971 and had one last brush of chart success in 1972 with "That's What Love Will Make You Do". But Little Milton remained welcome on the black club circuit even after he cooled off commercially.

Los Angeles Times

If you abuse the game, you're only cheating yourself.

The New York Times

You're only cheating yourself when you hate something".

The New Yorker

But if you taste a bad one and rule out the rest, you're cheating yourself.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of saying "cheat yourself", consider using phrases like "fool yourself", "shortchange yourself", or "do yourself a disservice" to more accurately convey the intended meaning in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "cheat yourself" in formal writing or professional communication. While it appears in some sources, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Opt for more precise and widely accepted alternatives to maintain credibility and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cheat yourself" functions as part of a broader statement expressing a warning or advice against certain actions that could negatively impact oneself. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically questionable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

25%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cheat yourself" is used to caution against actions that might lead to self-deception or missed opportunities. However, as Ludwig AI points out, this phrase isn't considered grammatically correct. Therefore, while it appears frequently in news and media, and in general online content, it's advisable to use alternatives like "fool yourself", "shortchange yourself", or "do yourself a disservice" in formal writing. These alternatives offer clearer and more precise ways to convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fool yourself

Implies a self-deception that leads to a false belief or expectation.

deceive yourself

Suggests a more active and conscious act of misleading oneself.

shortchange yourself

Focuses on the idea of not giving oneself the full benefit or opportunity one deserves.

deprive yourself

Highlights the act of denying oneself something valuable or necessary.

undermine yourself

Suggests actions or thoughts that weaken one's own position or chances of success.

betray yourself

Implies acting against one's own values or best interests.

do yourself a disservice

Emphasizes the negative consequences of one's actions on oneself.

sell yourself short

Underestimating your own value, abilities, or potential.

rob yourself

Highlights the act of stealing something valuable from your own person

mislead yourself

Implies being led into a wrong direction about the way one should act.

FAQs

What does it mean to "cheat yourself"?

The phrase "cheat yourself" generally means to deceive or deprive yourself of something good, often unintentionally. It suggests missing out on potential benefits or opportunities. Use this phrase with caution as it could be seen as incorrect.

What can I say instead of "cheat yourself"?

You can use alternatives like "fool yourself", "shortchange yourself", or "do yourself a disservice" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "cheat yourself"?

While the phrase "cheat yourself" appears in some contexts, it's not considered grammatically correct in standard English. Consider using alternatives for clearer communication.

How can I avoid sounding awkward when trying to convey the meaning of "cheat yourself"?

To avoid awkwardness, choose more precise phrases like "deprive yourself" or "undermine yourself", which clearly express the specific type of self-deception or missed opportunity you're referring to.