# put one past

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/put-one-past
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To deceive, trick, or fool (someone), especially by concealing something.

## Examples

- You cannot put anything past him.
- He is very observant, so do not try to put anything past him.
- Given her sharp intellect and years of experience, her colleagues knew better than to attempt to put anything past her during the negotiations.

## Origin

From the verb *put* combined with the preposition *past*, used with the placeholder *one*.

---

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.