deception

Idioms (15)

• behind the scenes Neutral · CEFR B2
  happening privately or secretly, not in public view
• come to light Neutral · CEFR B2
  to become known or be discovered, especially something hidden
• give the game away Informal · CEFR B2
  to accidentally reveal a secret or plan
• spill the beans Informal · CEFR B1
  To reveal a secret, often accidentally.
• let the cat out of the bag Informal · CEFR B1
  To reveal a secret, usually by mistake.
• pull someone's leg Informal · CEFR B1
  To tease or joke with someone by telling them something untrue in fun.
• a wolf in sheep's clothing Neutral · CEFR C1
  A dangerous person who pretends to be harmless or friendly.
• smell a rat Informal · CEFR B2
  To suspect that something is wrong or that someone is being dishonest.
• smoke and mirrors Informal · CEFR C1
  a deceptive or illusory presentation that hides what is really going on
• red herring Neutral · CEFR C1
  a misleading clue or distraction that draws attention away from the real issue
• straw man Neutral · CEFR C1
  a weak, exaggerated version of an opponent's argument set up to be easily knocked down
• butter someone up Informal · CEFR B2
  to flatter someone in order to gain a favour
• catch someone red-handed Neutral · CEFR B2
  to catch someone in the very act of doing something wrong
• pull the wool over someone's eyes Informal · CEFR B2
  to deceive someone
• stab someone in the back Neutral · CEFR B2
  to betray someone secretly