Hoodwink

To deceive or trick someone into believing something that is not true; to mislead by cunning or deceitful means. The term suggests the act of covering someone's eyes, hence obscuring their vision, symbolically referring to an act of making someone unaware of the truth. It can pertain to both minor tricks and elaborate scams and is often used in the context of marketing or politics.

Hoodwink meaning with examples

• The clever magician managed to hoodwink the audience into believing he had made the rabbit disappear. With deft sleight of hand and a few well-timed distractions, he left everyone in awe as they tried to figure out how he had done it.
• The stockbroker hoodwinked his clients by presenting false information about the company’s performance. They felt secure in their investments, unaware that they were on the verge of losing everything due to his deceitful tactics.
• In the novel, the protagonist struggles against a corrupt politician who hoodwinks the voters with empty promises and flashy campaigns. As the story unfolds, the residents realize they have been lured into a false sense of security.
• In an elaborate scheme to hoodwink potential investors, the startup claimed to have developed groundbreaking technology that simply did not exist. They showcased fake demonstrations, ultimately leading to a significant financial fallout when the truth became apparent.
• Although she initially felt safe, she soon discovered that her friend had hoodwinked her into participating in a dubious investment that promised quick returns. It took her some time to unravel his web of lies and reclaim her lost trust.