you could have fooled me!

(you) could have fooled me

Really? I thought the opposite was true. A: "This neighborhood has really improved in recent years—it's quite popular now." B: "Wow. With all the boarded-up buildings, you could have fooled me." Maria is shy? Could have fooled me. She was talking all night. You two are fighting? You could have fooled me—I didn't pick up on any tension at last night's party.

See also: could, fool, have

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

you could have fooled me!

used to express cynicism or doubt about an assertion. informal

See also: could, fool, have

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

you could have ˌfooled ˈme!

(informal) used for expressing your surprise about a statement, claim, etc: ‘He’s quite intelligent, you know.’ ‘You could have fooled me! I’ve never heard him say anything intelligent at all.’

See also: could, fool, have

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017