pull a fast one

P

pull a fast one (idiom)
/po͝ol ə ˈfast wən/

The phrase “pull a fast one” is a popular idiom used to describe a deceptive act or a clever trick. The idiom’s roots are believed to be in the world of card games and magic, where quick, deceptive movements are essential.

Variants

• pull a fast one on
• pull a sneaky
• pull a quick one

Meanings

• Carry out a clever trick or deception to fool someone.
• Manage to get away with something through dishonest means.
• Exploit a situation or person for personal gain unfairly.
• Execute a sly or hidden action that escapes notice at first.
• Persuade someone into doing something they normally wouldn’t by using trickery.
• Outsmart someone quickly with a cunning move.

Synonyms: deceive; swindle; cheat; trick; hoax; scam; con; defraud; bamboozle; dupe.

Example Sentences

1. The salesman tried to pull a fast one by charging me for an extra feature I didn’t want.
2. I thought he was my friend, but he tried to pull a fast one and steal my project idea.
3. She pulled a fast one by swapping her broken phone for a new one at the store.
4. They tried to pull a fast one on us by changing the terms of the contract at the last minute.
5. He pulled a quick one by pretending to be a security guard to get into the concert for free.
6. The magician pulled a sneaky by making the card disappear right under our noses.

Origin and History

One of the most popular theories links the phrase to card games, particularly those involving cheating. In games like poker, a player might “pull a fast one” by using sleight of hand to switch cards or deal from the bottom of the deck. The “fast” part of the phrase refers to the speed and dexterity required for the deceptive move to go unnoticed. The goal is to quickly and discreetly gain an unfair advantage. This theory is compelling because of the direct correlation between the phrase’s meaning and the nature of cheating in card games.

Connection to Vaudeville and Magic

Another theory suggests the phrase originated in the world of magic tricks and vaudeville acts. Magicians often use quick, deceptive movements to make objects disappear or to perform other illusions. The audience is tricked by the magician’s swift actions, which prevent them from seeing what is really happening. In this context, a magician could be said to “pull a fast one” on the audience. The phrase would then have entered everyday language to describe any situation where someone is deceived by a quick, clever action.

Linguistic and Etymological Background

The meaning of the word “fast” has evolved over time. Originally, it meant “firm” or “secure” in Old English. This sense evolved to mean “tightly bound” and then, in some cases, took on connotations of being “loose with morals” or “not to be trusted.” This linguistic journey of the word “fast” from its original meaning of secure to its later association with deceit adds an interesting layer to the phrase’s origin, suggesting the deception is a “tight” or “clever” trick.

Country of Origin

The phrase is believed to have originated in the United States. Evidence from printed materials suggests it was first used in American English before spreading to other English-speaking countries.

Earliest Printed Record

The phrase began to appear in print in the early 20th century in North American newspapers and magazines. While a definitive first use is difficult to pinpoint, there are records of the phrase being used in American publications as early as 1906. The term was often found in informal contexts, such as sports writing or dialogue in short stories, which suggests it had already become a common part of spoken American English by that time.

Cards, Numbers, Quick

Last update: August 8, 2025 7:21 AM