Lead (one) up the garden path In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "lead (one) up the garden path", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

author Zesty Y calendar 2021-08-13 11:08

Meaning of Lead (one) up the garden path

Synonyms:

lead (one) down the garden path

Lead (one) up the garden path British phrase

To make someone think that something untrue or wrong is true.


 

Don't believe John- he is just leading you up the garden path. He's a real con artist.

Mary tried to lead me up the garden path, talking me into buying a useless product. Luckily, I was wise not to believe what she said.

Having led many customers up the garden path, this unscrupulous retailer disappeared.

Other phrases about:

string someone along

To maintain someone's attention or to keep them waiting in a state of uncertainty. 

smell a rat
to doubt that something is untrue, unreliable or deceptive
crooked as a barrel of fish hooks

Very dishonest and deceptive

sail under false colours

To deliberately hide one's true nature, intentions or purposes

skin game

Used to refer to any swindle

Grammar and Usage of Lead (one) up the garden path

Verb Forms

  • led (one) up the garden path
  • leading (one) up the garden path

The verb "lead" must be conjugated according to its tense.
 

Origin of Lead (one) up the garden path

This phrase dates back to the early twentieth century and alludes to a romantic or seductive enticement. Often found in popular novels of the 1930s and 1940s, it is less frequently heard today.

The Origin Cited: The free dictionary .
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TODAY
confusion worse confounded

Confusion made worse than before.

Example:

There was heavy traffic on the way to work this morning. Confusion worse confounded when some drivers were arguing with each other right in the middle of the street.

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