# lead someone up the garden path

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/lead-someone-up-the-garden-path
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To deceive, hoodwink, mislead, or seduce someone.

## Examples

- He led me up the garden path about the car's condition.
- I think my friends are leading me up the garden path about this surprise.
- The salesman led the customer up the garden path by promising features that the basic model did not actually include.
- The politician led the voters up the garden path by promising lower taxes while secretly planning to increase the cost of public services.
- You shouldn't lead your date up the garden path if you have no intention of calling them back for a second meeting next week.
- She realized too late that her business partner had led her up the garden path, leaving her with all the debt and none of the profits.

## Origin

The idiom is probably a reference to the winding, indirect nature of a garden path as opposed to a straight road. The expression emerged in the early 20th century, though the exact circumstances of its coinage remain unrecorded. It suggests the act of diverting an individual's attention with pleasant surroundings while moving toward an unintended destination. (disputed)

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.