beguile (someone) into (doing something)
To entice someone to do what one wants through some form of cunning, trickery, or charm. Oh, I am going to that gala, even if I have to beguile one of my co-workers into taking me. I can't believe that salesman beguiled us into buying such an overpriced appliance. Mom, how did Rich beguile you into backing one of his stupid inventions? They're always doomed to fail!
beguile (someone) out of (something)
To swindle something from someone. That con man beguiled us out of thousands, I'm ashamed to say. A lot of bad checks have been circulating in the area lately, claiming to be from the local university; in reality, they are scams trying to beguile people out of money. The company's CEO managed to beguile his clients out of millions of dollars, and it was all done in such a way that no one noticed the disappearance of the money until it was too late.
beguile (someone) with (something)
To captivate someone with something. Peter beguiled the audience with the exciting tales of his world travels. When we got home, the kids were tucked into bed, and the babysitter was beguiling them with some fanciful story. Mom, he's a known con man. Don't let him beguile you with these bogus get-rich-quick schemes.
beguile the time
To spend time in an enjoyable manner or activity. Let us retire to the garden and beguile the time among the beautiful blooms. We beguiled the time chatting and listening to old records. Those two beguiled the time whispering and canoodling in a dark corner of the party.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
beguile someone into something
to charm someone into doing something. You can't beguile me into stealing for you! I beguiled Tom into driving me to the airport.
beguile someone out of something
1. to charm someone out of doing something. I will try to beguile them out of doing it. He beguiled her out of leaving.
2. to charm something away from someone. She's trying to beguile the old man out of a substantial amount of his money. Max beguiled the old lady out of her rings.
beguile someone with something
to charm or fascinate someone with something. She beguiled her date with tales of her luxurious lifestyle. He spent the evening beguiling her with stories of the Old West.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.