a confidence game
A method of inspiring someone's trust and then deceiving them. Don't fall for Tony's sad story—he's known for playing confidence games. Come on, these shady companies are known for exploiting people through confidence games. If John got you to pay for him last night under the pretense that he'll "pay you back later," forget it—you've already fallen victim to a confidence game.
be in (one's) confidence
To be viewed as trustworthy enough to know one's private information. I can't tell you what Phil said—I'm in his confidence! You already knew Heather was pregnant? Huh, guess you're in her confidence, and I'm not. Shouldn't I be in your confidence? I am your sister, after all!
con artist
1. A person who exploits the vulnerability of others for their own sake by manipulating and taking advantage of their confidence (the act of which is known as a confidence trick or game). It is the common abbreviation of the full term, "confidence artist." Be wary of con artists who send emails claiming to be a bank or some other trustworthy establishment: they often ask for your personal bank details to have access to your finances. The con artist talked him out of his entire life's savings with the promise of investing it in a surefire money-making scheme. A: "The CEO was found guilty of fraud." B: "What a surprise—another billionaire con artist thinking he can get away with anything."
2. By extension, a person who is skilled at duplicity, cajolery, or self-serving manipulation or persuasion. John is such a con artist, always convincing others to pay for him on nights out under the pretense that he'll "pay them back later." I'm not surprised that con artist didn't do his half of the project as promised. I have no idea why the boss keeps him around. Mom, Rich is still the same con artist he's always been. Do not give him any money.
con man
1. A man who exploits the vulnerability of others for his own sake by manipulating and taking advantage of their confidence (the act of which is known as a confidence trick or game). It is the common abbreviation of the full term, "confidence man." Be wary of con men who send emails claiming to be a bank or some other trustworthy establishment: they often ask for your personal bank details so as to have access to your finances. The con man talked him out of his entire life's savings with the promise of investing it in a surefire money-making scheme. A: "The CEO was found guilty of fraud." B: "What a surprise—another billionaire con man who thinks he can get away with anything."
2. By extension, a man who is skilled at duplicity, cajolery, or self-serving manipulation or persuasion. John is such a con man, always convincing others to pay for him on nights out under the pretense that he'll "pay them back later." I'm not surprised that con man didn't do his half of the project as promised. I have no idea why the boss keeps him around. Mom, Rich is still the same con man he's always been. Do not give him any money.
confidence-building measure
Any action taken to eliminate or reduce the fear of attack or escalation of conflict between two or more parties, as in international politics, interpersonal communication, business interactions, etc. The term is usually pluralized. The two countries, long on the brink of all-out war, have introduced several confidence-building measures between their governments to facilitate better communication and hopefully avert the need for a military offensive by either side. One of our goals in marriage counseling is to create confidence-building measures between spouses, so that each person learns to communicate their frustrations before they turn into a source of conflict. At this stage, neither president fully trusts the other, so some confidence-building measures are necessary if our countries are going to work together.
have confidence in (someone or something)
To trust or have faith in someone or something. I know you'll pass this test—I have confidence in you. After being a lawyer for so many years, do you still have confidence in the legal system? I don't usually have confidence in myself, but I'm trying to think more positively these days.
in confidence
In private; with the understanding that what was said will not be revealed. Sometimes used with the modifiers "strict" or "the strictest." I can't believe you told your husband about my operation—I told that to you in confidence! Gentlemen, please be aware that this meeting is being held in the strictest confidence. I was told that information in confidence, so I can't discuss it with anyone else.
take (someone) into (one's) confidence
To tell someone information with the understanding that they will not reveal what was said. Daniel, we've taken you into our confidence to discuss the direction of the company, and where we see you fitting into it. You're the only person I've taken into my confidence about this, so please don't discuss it with anyone else.
vote of confidence
An expression or indication of one's confidence in or support of someone or something. Often used sarcastically or ironically to indicate the opposite. Thank you for your vote of confidence during the board meeting, boss. It means a lot to me to have your support on this project. A: "I just don't think you have what it takes to be a professional dancer." B: "Wow, thanks for the vote of confidence, Mom."
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
have confidence in someone
to trust someone; to know that someone will be true. I have confidence in you, and I know you will do well. Randy tends not to have confidence in anyone.
take someone into one's confidence
to trust someone with confidential information; to tell a secret to someone and trust the person to keep the secret. We are good friends, but I didn't feel I could take her into my confidence. I know something very important about Jean. Can I take you into my confidence?
vote of confidence
Fig. a poll taken to discover whether or not a person, party, etc., still has the majority's support. The government easily won the vote of confidence called for by the opposition. The president of the club resigned when one of the members called for a vote of confidence in his leadership.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
confidence game
Also, confidence trick; con game. A swindle in which the victim is defrauded after his or her trust has been won. For example, The police warned of a confidence game in which people were asked to turn over valuables for a so-called appraisal , or The typical confidence trick is easy to spot if you know what to look for, or I almost let myself be taken in by her con game-she seemed so sincere. These terms, which use confidence in the sense of "trust," date from the mid-1800s. They also gave rise to confidence man (or con man) for the swindler.
in confidence
Also,
in strict confidence. Privately, on condition that what is said will not be revealed. For example,
The doctor told her in confidence that her mother was terminally ill, or
He told us in strict confidence that Gail was pregnant. This idiom was first recorded in 1632. Also see
take into one's confidence.
take into one's confidence
Trust someone with a secret, as in She took me into her confidence and admitted that she was quitting next month. This idiom uses confidence in the sense of "trust," a usage dating from the late 1500s.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.