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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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