cheat (one) out of (something)
To steal or deny one their due property by swindling. That dishonest real estate broker cheated us out of millions. I'll never forgive my brother for cheating me out of my inheritance. The insurance company cheated me out of thousands when they refused to pay for a procedure that was supposed to be covered by their plan.
cheat at (something)
To act deceptively or unfairly while completing a task or participating in a competition. My little brother cheats at every board game, so it's not much fun to play with him. I can see that you're cheating at cards! Knock it off. Stop being a sore loser, OK? You know your sister didn't cheat at the race.
cheat death
To survive something that was extremely dangerous or had a high likelihood of killing one. I thought for sure that crash would be the end of Sam, but he cheated death and pulled through. The doctors were amazed that I recovered from the virus, saying that I had cheated death. My goodness, someone survived that catastrophic wreck? Wow, they sure cheated death.
cheat on (someone)
To be unfaithful to one's romantic partner. Well, I heard that Jane cheated on Rob, and that's really why they're getting divorced. I'm not surprised she dumped you—you did cheat on her, Alex. My self-confidence took a major hit after my last boyfriend cheated on me.
cheat on (something)
To act deceptively or unfairly while completing a task or participating in a competition. I can't believe that Katie cheated on the test—I always thought she was an honest person. Yes, OK, I've been cheating on my diet! I just can't stomach any more sprouts right now! And how exactly do you plan to cheat on your driver's test? If you can't parallel park, they're gonna know.
cheat out
In theater, to turn one's body on stage so that the audience is better able to hear and see one, even if it is less natural or realistic within the scene. Thomas, you keep turning your back to the audience. Cheat out a bit, please. The actor cheated out so much during the play that I was no longer able to suspend my disbelief. Adam, project your voice and cheat out more so we can really hear you.
cheat sheet
1. A piece of paper or other document containing information about or the solutions to questions of a test or exam, which may be used for cheating, studying, or by someone grading said exam. Jim was caught using a cheat sheet during his test and failed the course as a result. My friend gave me a great cheat sheet to use while studying for my final exam. Dude, you're gonna get in so much trouble if the teacher sees you peeking at a cheat sheet during the test!
2. Any document on which complex or difficult information is summarized so as to allow for easy reference and understanding. I made a cheat sheet of everyday Japanese phrases so I would know how to say at least a few things while in Tokyo next week! I know, it's a complex process, so here's a cheat sheet for when you have to run the report yourself next month. I think a few steps are missing from your cheat sheet because it doesn't say anything about having to log in with a password.
cheat the worms
To avoid death, especially after having a serious illness. Refers to the worms often found near a decaying body. A: "I heard that Ellen cheated the worms! Is that true? Last I saw her, she was so sick." B: "Oh, yeah! She's doing great now!" I hope I can cheat the worms and make a full recovery—but I feel so sick right now. If the patient's got blood poisoning, do you really think he'll be able to cheat the worms?
cheats never prosper
proverb People who use dishonest means will not find true success. I'm not too worried about Eric getting ahead of me in the class rankings. I know he cheated on his last test, and cheats never prosper! I would never have an affair because I know that cheats never prosper! Don't worry, that shyster will get his comeuppance one of these days—cheats never prosper!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
cheat at something
to use deception while competing [against someone]. They say she cheats at cards. The mob is likely to cheat at getting the contracts.
cheat on someone
to commit adultery; to be unfaithful to one's spouse or lover. "Have you been cheating on me?" cried Mrs. Franklin. He was caught cheating on his wife.
cheat someone out of something
to get something from someone by deception. Are you trying to cheat me out of what is rightfully mine? She cheated herself out of an invitation because she lied about her affiliation.
Cheats never prosper.
and Cheaters never prosper.Prov. If you cheat people, they will not continue to do business with you, and so your business will fail. Customer: You charged me for ten artichokes, but you only gave me nine. Grocer: Too bad. You should have counted them before you paid for them. Customer: Cheats never prosper, you know.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.