Get one over on Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈɡɛt/, /ˈɡɪt/ /ˈwən/ /ˈoʊvɝ/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn

GET wun OH-ver on

UK

ɡˈɛt/ /wˈɒn/ /ˈəʊvɐ/ /ˈɒn

get WON OH-vuh on

Definition

To outsmart, trick, or get the advantage over someone, often in a clever or sneaky way.

Usage & Nuances

This is an informal expression and often implies cleverness or trickery. Commonly used in situations involving competition, games, arguments, or minor deceit. It’s not appropriate for formal writing. 'Get one over on' can sound playful or mildly disapproving depending on tone.

• Spanish: superar (a alguien) - engañar (a alguien)
• Portuguese (BR): levar vantagem sobre (alguém) - enganar (alguém)
• Portuguese (PT): levar a melhor sobre (alguém) - enganar (alguém)
• Chinese (Simplified): 占上风（对某人）- 占便宜（骗某人）
• Chinese (Traditional): 佔上風（對某人）- 佔便宜（騙某人）
• Hindi: किसी पर जीत हासिल करना - धोखा देना (किसी को)
• Arabic: يتغلب على (شخص) - يخدع (شخصًا)
• Bengali: ধোঁকা দেয়া - চালাকিতে জয় লাভ করা
• Russian: обхитрить - перехитрить - провести
• Japanese: 出し抜く - 一杯食わせる
• Vietnamese: lừa khéo - chơi khăm - qua mặt
• Korean: 속이다 - 한 수 앞서다
• Turkish: kandırmak - alt etmek - oyuna getirmek
• Urdu: چکمہ دینا - بازی لے جانا
• Indonesian: menipu - mengakali - unggul secara licik

Example Sentences

She tried to get one over on her brother in the game.

basic

He always tries to get one over on his classmates.

basic

Do you think you can get one over on me?

basic

He’s clever, but I managed to get one over on him this time.

natural

Don’t let them get one over on you in negotiations.

natural

I can’t believe she actually got one over on the teacher.

natural