The phrase "pulled wool over" is typically spelled with two L's, despite the fact that the sound at the beginning of the word is often pronounced without an L sound. In IPA phonetic transcription, this would be written as /pʊld ˈwʊl ˈoʊvər/. The spelling with two L's may be due to the fact that the term is often written or read before being spoken aloud, leading to a "hypercorrection" in spelling. Regardless of spelling, the idiom means to deceive or trick someone.
The phrase "pulled wool over" refers to a deceptive act or technique employed by someone to trick or deceive another person. It is commonly used when describing someone's ability to manipulate or deceive another by concealing or distorting the truth. The origin of this expression can be traced back to the practice of pulling a woolen cap or hat over someone's eyes to impair their vision. Metaphorically, it implies the act of purposely obstructing someone's perception or understanding of a situation.
When someone is said to have "pulled wool over" another person, it means that they have successfully hidden their true intentions or motives, often by presenting a false or misleading façade. This deception may be driven by personal gain, the desire to avoid trouble or responsibility, or simply to manipulate the other person's behavior or beliefs. The phrase suggests a deliberate act of deceit or manipulation, where the wool is used as a metaphorical tool to obscure one's true intentions.
Furthermore, "pulling wool over" implies that the person executing the deception possesses a certain level of cunning or cleverness. They are skillful at creating a false reality or convincing narrative that appears genuine, while in actuality, it veils their true motives. This expression is commonly used in contexts such as politics, fraud, or personal relationships, where one person intentionally misleads or manipulates another.