# do out of

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

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

## Definition

to stop someone from getting something they deserve by being dishonest or unfair.

For teachers: to deprive someone of something, typically through deceit, trickery, or unfair manipulation; often used in the passive voice.

## Examples

- He tried to do me out of my share of the money.
- The shady contractor did the elderly couple out of their life savings by never finishing the roof.
- The minority shareholders claimed they were done out of their rightful dividends through a series of complex accounting maneuvers.

## Pitfalls

- Not "They did out of him his inheritance." but "They did him out of his inheritance." — the person being cheated must come between the verb 'do' and the particle 'out'.

## Usage notes

- usually follows the pattern 'do someone out of something'.
- Teaching tip: this is a more informal and idiomatic way to say 'cheat someone out of' or 'deprive'; it is common in British English and often implies a sense of being swindled.

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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.