[pull] a fast one
1
to cheat someone in a clever and often unexpected way
The origin of the idiom "pull a fast one" is somewhat uncertain, but it likely comes from the world of deception and sleight of hand. The word "fast" in this context means "quick" or "deceptive," and "pull" suggests executing a trick or a scheme. It may have evolved from the idea of a magician or con artist quickly executing a deceitful maneuver to outsmart or deceive someone. People often use this phrase to describe situations where someone has tried to outwit or cheat someone else, typically in an unexpected manner.
- He thought he could pull a fast one on the teacher by giving a fake excuse for not doing his homework, but she saw right through it.
- The salesman tried to pull a fast one by offering a 'limited-time discount' that wasn't really a discount at all.
- She pulled a fast one on her friends by organizing a surprise party they never saw coming.
- The scam artist managed to pull a fast one on unsuspecting investors by promising high returns on a fake investment scheme.
- Don't think you can pull a fast one on Sarah; she's always one step ahead.