hoodwink

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb influence by slyness
  2. verb conceal one's true motives from especially by elaborately feigning good intentions so as to gain an end

Etymology

The verb is derived from hood (“head covering attached to a larger garment such as a jacket or cloak”) + wink (“to close one’s eyes”). (< C16 'to blindfold'). The noun is derived from the verb.

In classic literature

Synonyms

juggle, beguile

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