deception
Idioms (15)
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behind the scenes
CEFR B2happening privately or secretly, not in public view
Neutral -
come to light
CEFR B2to become known or be discovered, especially something hidden
Neutral -
give the game away
CEFR B2to accidentally reveal a secret or plan
Informal -
spill the beans
CEFR B1To reveal a secret, often accidentally.
Informal -
let the cat out of the bag
CEFR B1To reveal a secret, usually by mistake.
Informal -
pull someone's leg
CEFR B1To tease or joke with someone by telling them something untrue in fun.
Informal -
a wolf in sheep's clothing
CEFR C1A dangerous person who pretends to be harmless or friendly.
Neutral -
smell a rat
CEFR B2To suspect that something is wrong or that someone is being dishonest.
Informal -
smoke and mirrors
CEFR C1a deceptive or illusory presentation that hides what is really going on
Informal -
red herring
CEFR C1a misleading clue or distraction that draws attention away from the real issue
Neutral -
straw man
CEFR C1a weak, exaggerated version of an opponent's argument set up to be easily knocked down
Neutral -
butter someone up
CEFR B2to flatter someone in order to gain a favour
Informal -
catch someone red-handed
CEFR B2to catch someone in the very act of doing something wrong
Neutral -
pull the wool over someone's eyes
CEFR B2to deceive someone
Informal -
stab someone in the back
CEFR B2to betray someone secretly
Neutral