# cheat out of

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cheat-out-of
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to use dishonest or unfair methods to take something away from someone.

For teachers: to deprive someone of a possession, right, or opportunity through deception or fraudulent means; a transitive three-part phrasal verb.

## Examples

- The dishonest salesman tried to cheat her out of her savings.
- He felt his business partner had cheated him out of his fair share of the profits.
- The investigation revealed that the corporation had systematically cheated thousands of elderly investors out of their retirement funds through a complex shell company scheme.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He cheated out of me my money." but "He cheated me out of my money." — the person being cheated must come immediately after the verb 'cheat'.

## Usage notes

- the object is the person being deceived, followed by 'of' and the thing stolen.
- Teaching tip: this is a three-part phrasal verb (verb + particle + preposition); emphasize that the victim is the direct object and the stolen item follows 'of'.

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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.