Etymology Journal · W
Who do you think you're fooling?
Meaning
- This is a way to tell someone their lies or pretenses are completely see-through. It is usually said to someone who is acting fake or trying to hide the obvious.
Skeptical, direct
Used in a sentence
- You claim you were working late, but I saw your car at the bowling alley; who do you think you are fooling?
- Stop pretending you like that vegetable soup; who do you think you are fooling?
- He wore a fake mustache to the interview, but I asked him, who do you think you are fooling?
The backstory
This is a classic idiomatic expression of skepticism. Its origins are standard English and have been used for centuries to puncture inflated egos.
Heard in
Nationwide
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