[Idiom] PULL WOOL OVER EYES. - Learn How to Spot Deception in Conversations
Pull wool over eyes.
/pʊl wʊl ˈoʊvər aɪz/
Deceive or mislead.
The expression "Pull wool over eyes" stems from the cunning acts of trickery where someone attempts to deceive another. This idiom has historical roots dating back to the times when judges in England wore wigs made of wool. When someone attempted to deceive the judge, it was said they were "pulling wool over his eyes" to obstruct his view and judgement. In contemporary use, this phrase is often applied to situations where misleading information is presented, making it vital to understand the nuances of communication and deception in personal and professional settings.
Example Sentences
Don't try to pull the wool over my eyes!
The first sample warns against attempting to deceive or trick the speaker.
She pulled the wool over his eyes for years.
The second sample indicates that she successfully deceived him for a long time.
He thought he was getting a deal, but the salesman was just pulling the wool over his eyes.
The third sample reveals a situation where the person believed they were getting a good deal but were actually being deceived.