Pull the Wool over Someone's Eyes — Meaning, Usage & Examples

What it means...

To trick someone into believing something false.

When you pull the wool over someone's eyes, you fool them, often to gain an advantage.

The person being fooled has no idea it is happening.

Use it when…

When a dishonest employee hides mistakes from their manager
When someone tells half-truths to avoid getting into trouble
When a company misleads consumers with false or exaggerated claims

Don’t confuse with...

"Pull Someone's Leg"

—

Teasing or joking with someone, not a genuine deception

"Lead Someone on"

—

Giving false hope in a relationship, not a broad act of deception

"Pull the Wool over Someone's Eyes"

—

Deliberately creating a false impression to trick someone

Where you’ll hear it

You’ll hear the "Pull the Wool over Someone's Eyes" idiom in real life — at work, in relationships, or in the media.

Work & Business

Corporate Issues

The auditors discovered the CFO had been pulling the wool over investors' eyes for years.

Relationships & Social Life

Romantic Partners

She eventually realized he had been pulling the wool over her eyes since the very beginning.

Media & Everyday Life

News

The investigation revealed the company had pulled the wool over regulators' eyes for over a decade.

‹›

Use it like this

Here’s how to use "Pull the Wool over Someone's Eyes" idiom naturally in real conversations, with real examples.

Work & Business

Raising concerns

You

I think someone's been pulling the wool over our eyes about the actual budget.

Boss

What makes you say that? Walk me through it.

Relationships

Arguments

Partner

You told me it was completely fine!

You

I didn't pull the wool over your eyes — I genuinely thought everything was okay.

Everyday Conversations

Opinions

Friend

Do you think that deal is actually real?

You

No way — they're pulling the wool over everyone's eyes.

‹›

Last updated:

October 4, 2026

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