🍏 “Doing a Number on You: Tricks, Deceits, and Other Nefarious Notions” 💼
➖ Definition: To ruin, cheat, or trick someone. This slangy phrase dates back to the late 1960s and originated in black English.
➖ Example: “That boss of yours really did a number on you; you’ll never get promoted.”
Related Terms and Similar Expressions:
- “Pull a fast one”: Deceptive action intended to trick someone.
- “Lead down the garden path”: To deceive someone.
- “Pull the wool over someone’s eyes”: To mislead or deceive someone.
- “Take for a ride”: To cheat or deceive someone.
- “Throw under the bus”: Sacrifice someone, especially for selfish reasons.
Synonyms:
- Betray
- Dupe
- Bamboozle
- Hoodwink
- Swindle
Antonyms:
- Assist
- Support
- Protect
- Defend
- Help
Humorous Quote:
“He said he did it for my own good. Well, I hope his karma runs over his dogma because he did a real number on me!” — J. Punny McPunster
Proverbs and References:
- “All is fair in love and war.” - Sometimes used to justify deceitful behavior.
Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies:
- Book: “Catch Me if You Can” by Frank Abagnale - A fascinating look at real-life deception.
- Movie: “The Sting” (1973) - Classic film about con artists.
- Poetry: “Macavity: The Mystery Cat” by T.S. Eliot - A whimsical poem about a deceptive cat.
- Song: “Smooth Criminal” by Michael Jackson - A musical narrative on trickery.
Fun Farewell Thought:
As you navigate the twists and turns of life’s language labyrinth, remember, while some might “do a number on you,” you always have the power to keep your cool and rise above. May your words forever be as crafty and clear as you choose them to be!
—
📚📝
### Which of these phrases means to deceive someone?
- [x] Lead down the garden path
- [ ] Write in the sky with rainbows
- [ ] Hug a cactus
- [ ] Teach a cat to bark
> **Explanation:** "Lead down the garden path" is an idiom meaning to deceive someone. The others? A bit more fanciful or painful.
### True or False: "Doing a number on someone" means to assist someone
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False! "Doing a number on someone" definitely involves trickery or deceit, rather than helping out.
