cheat Definition
- 1to act dishonestly or unfairly in order to gain an advantage
- 2to deceive someone by breaking a rule or failing to follow an agreement
Using cheat: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "cheat" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He cheated on the test by copying his friend's answers.
Example
She cheated on her husband with his best friend.
Example
The company cheated its customers by selling them faulty products.
Example
He was caught cheating at cards.
cheat Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using cheat
a cheat and a liar
someone who is dishonest and untrustworthy
Example
I can't believe he lied to us again. He's such a cheat and a liar.
you can't cheat an honest man
it is difficult to take advantage of someone who is honest and fair
Example
He tried to cheat me out of my money, but I didn't fall for it. You can't cheat an honest man.
a cheat's never prosper
dishonest people will eventually be punished or suffer negative consequences
Example
He thought he could get away with cheating, but a cheat's never prosper.
Phrases with cheat
Example
He cheated death when he survived the car accident.
cheat sheet
a piece of paper containing information that is used to help someone cheat on a test or exam
Example
He wrote all the answers on his cheat sheet.
play fair and square
to behave in an honest and fair way
Example
We need to play fair and square if we want to win the game.
Origins of cheat
from Old Norse 'kjaeta', meaning 'to injure, damage'
Summary: cheat in Brief
The verb 'cheat' [tʃiːt] means to act dishonestly or unfairly in order to gain an advantage or deceive someone by breaking a rule or failing to follow an agreement. It can refer to cheating on a test or in a relationship, as well as cheating death. The phrase 'play fair and square' is the opposite of cheating, while idioms like 'a cheat and a liar' and 'a cheat's never prosper' emphasize the negative consequences of dishonesty.