pull a fast one on

USAGE SUMMARY

"pull a fast one on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to deceive someone. You can use it in informal situations. For example: "I can't believe they pulled a fast one on us and sold us a faulty product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Or did everyone pull a fast one on everyone else?

The New York Times

Did Gov. Jon Corzine pull a fast one on Joseph Vas? Or did Joseph Vas pull a fast one on Albio Sires?

The New York Times

So Johnson played it safe and let Gordon pull a fast one on the last lap of the UAW-Ford 500.

The New York Times - Sports

The Academy could also potentially pull a fast one on Harvey Weinstein by rewarding Mara with a best actress nod – although the distributor has her campaigning for a supporting one.

The Guardian - Film

But, these experts pointed out, ignoring a bankruptcy filing entirely carries risks as well by appearing to be desperate or lamely trying to pull a fast one on your customers.

The New York Times - Tech

But to anyone who has followed Mr. Bush's pronouncements on economic policy issues -- that is, really looked at what he says, not at how what he says plays in the polls -- his attempt to pull a fast one on the debates comes as no surprise.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

"The free world is pulling a fast one on us.

The Guardian

I never found out whether he pulled a fast one on me.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Rebecca Arthur, 17, boarded a plane from New York's JFK Airport on Monday after "pulling a fast one on her mother" police told the New York Daily News.

Independent

Pulling a fast one on BoS chief Peter Burt - by turning a merger into a takeover - was also naive.

The Guardian - Business

It's understandable why people would like to argue that Leonard "pulled a fast one" on Durán.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase “pull a fast one on” to convey that someone was deceived in a clever or sneaky manner. It is appropriate in informal contexts like conversations, blog posts, or casual writing.

Common error

Avoid using “pull a fast one on” when the situation involves simple mistakes or misunderstandings. The phrase implies a deliberate act of deception, not accidental errors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pull a fast one on" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it's used to describe the action of deceiving someone in a clever or sneaky manner. Examples show its use in describing various scenarios of trickery.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pull a fast one on" is a common idiom used to describe deceiving someone, especially in a clever or sneaky way. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English, typically in informal contexts. It’s frequently found in news and media, with occasional use in business contexts. When choosing alternatives, consider options like "deceive someone" or "trick someone" for more formal situations. Be sure to use it when there is a deliberate act of deception, and not just a mistake.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Trick someone

Emphasizes the use of cunning or skillful means to mislead.

Deceive someone

Focuses on the act of misleading without specifying the method.

Dupe someone

Highlights the act of fooling or deceiving someone.

Hoodwink someone

Suggests a more elaborate or sophisticated form of deception.

Gull someone

Suggests easily deceiving someone naive or unsuspecting.

Outsmart someone

Implies surpassing someone in intelligence or cleverness to gain an advantage.

Beguile someone

Implies charming or enchanting someone into being deceived.

Take advantage of someone

Highlights the exploitation of someone's vulnerability or trust.

Swindle someone

Suggests cheating someone out of money or property.

Defraud someone

Involves deceit with the intent to gain financial or material benefit.

FAQs

How can I use "pull a fast one on" in a sentence?

You can use "pull a fast one on" to describe a situation where someone deceives or tricks another person. For example, "He tried to pull a fast one on me by selling a fake watch."

What does "pull a fast one on" mean?

The phrase "pull a fast one on" means to deceive someone, often in a clever or sneaky way. It implies a deliberate attempt to trick someone for personal gain or amusement.

What are some alternatives to "pull a fast one on"?

You can use alternatives like "deceive someone", "trick someone", or "outsmart someone" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "pull a fast one on" in formal writing?

The phrase "pull a fast one on" is generally considered informal. It is best suited for casual conversations or informal writing. In formal contexts, consider using more professional alternatives like "deceive" or "mislead".