Getting over on

Posted by Bruce Kahl on June 30, 2005

In Reply to: Getting over on posted by David FG on June 30, 2005

: : : : : : : what is meaning "getting over on"? I've heard used several different ways.

: : : : : : It means lying and not getting caught.

: : : : : Bruce is likely right. I had a distinct notion that it was used (but not in the U.S.) to mean "getting an advantage over," or "getting the better of." Lying to someone successfully would fit that description. Is this expression more common in Britain? SS

: : : : In the UK and Ireland, the phrase would be 'getting ONE over on' which is used to mean what SS said.

: : : : DFG

: : : In the US, we'd say "putting one over on." Same sense?

: : As a charitable act, Lori should give us one or two examples that she has read or heard. "Putting one over on someone" is indeed a common expression. But Lori's question had to do with "getting over on," and my suspicion is that this form of words is used in the U.K. with a distinct meaning. I'm not certain what that is, and the OED is no help. True, it contains hundreds of expressions with "getting" or "get," but I looked pretty diligently with no success. Over to you, Lori. Unless, of course, Bruce has a source that he's willing to share. SS

: For what it is worth, I have never heard the form 'getting over on' in the UK or Ireland: this does not, of course, mean that it isn't used.

: DFG

Here in NY "getting over" is a very popular phrase meaning to fool, lie to or deceive someone.

My sources are people--just listening to people and the context in which the phrase is used.

No biggie.

• Getting over on Smokey Stover 01/July/05
  • Getting over on Bob 01/July/05