hoodwink
What does "hoodwink" mean?
To hoodwink someone is to deceive or trick them, often in a clever or underhanded way. The mental image comes from the historical practice of literally covering someone's eyes with a hood or blindfold, leaving them unable to see the truth of their surroundings. It is a slightly literary or formal term often used to describe elaborate scams or political maneuvering. You wouldn't typically use it for a simple prank; it implies a more calculated effort to obscure the facts so that the victim remains unaware of the deception.
"hoodwink" in conversation
An office investigation
I can't believe he hoodwinked the entire board into approving that merger.
I can't believe he hoodwinked the entire board into approving that merger.
He had the numbers doctored. Nobody suspected a thing.
He had the numbers doctored. Nobody suspected a thing.
Used here to describe a sophisticated corporate deception.
Discussing a scam
Don't let those online ads hoodwink you with 'free' offers.
Don't let those online ads hoodwink you with 'free' offers.
I know, there's always a hidden subscription fee.
I know, there's always a hidden subscription fee.
Refers to being misled by marketing tactics.
"hoodwink" in a sentence
The magician tried to hoodwink the audience with a clever sleight of hand.
The magician tried to hoodwink the audience with a clever sleight of hand.
The cunning salesman managed to hoodwink the elderly couple into buying a broken appliance.
The cunning salesman managed to hoodwink the elderly couple into buying a broken appliance.
History is full of leaders who hoodwinked their citizens through carefully crafted propaganda.
History is full of leaders who hoodwinked their citizens through carefully crafted propaganda.
