Idiom – Pull The Wool Over Someone’s Eyes

Pull The Wool Over Someone’s Eyes – Idiom of the Day

Meaning:

Dupe someone so that they don’t know what you’re doing.

History:

History debated of 16th century British and 19th century American origin. The idiom is suspected to have originated from the ancient British practice of wearing woolen wigs. There is evidence of this idiom in paper as early as November 1935. The Gettysburg newspaper, The People’s Press, seems to have published it.

Idiom scenarios:

Scenario 1:

Shopkeeper: This necklace is worth 1 lakh rupees.
Customer: What?
Shopkeeper: Yes madam. It has diamonds all over it. So it is priced high.
Customer: Don’t try to pull the wool over my eyes. They aren’t diamonds. Just shining stones!

Scenario 2:

Student 1: Can we tell the teacher that we’re sick and escape from here?
Student 2: Do you think she will believe?
Student 1: Why not? We’ll act like being sick.
Student 2: She’s too clever. You can’t pull the wool over her eyes.

Scenario 3:

John: This bike is well maintained and I bought it for 20000 rupees.
Sam: It is a second-hand bike. Isn’t it?
John: Yes, but in good condition.
Sam: Did you get a mechanic to check it over?
John: No. I trusted the seller. Look, the paint has not gone.
Sam: I think the seller has pulled the wool over your eyes! The brakes are not in good condition.

Examples:

Go through the examples to understand the usage of the idiom:

1. It was difficult for the thief to pull the wool over the police man’s eyes.
2. The sons easily pulled the wool over their mother’s eyes and transferred the property to their names.
3. Tom tried to pull the wool over his mother’s eyes but she found his mischief.