The phrase "pulled wool over eyes" is a common idiom that means to deceive or trick someone. The spelling of the word "pulled" is pronounced /pʊld/ according to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The word "wool" is pronounced /wʊl/. The phrase as a whole provides an interesting insight into the English language as the spelling of the phrase is not always consistent with its pronunciation. Nevertheless, it continues to be widely used across English-speaking cultures as a way to describe deceitful behavior.
The phrase "pulled wool over one's eyes" is an idiomatic expression that refers to the act of deceitfully manipulating or tricking someone by obscuring the truth. The figurative meaning of this phrase alludes to the concept of physically covering someone's eyes with wool, rendering them visually impaired or unable to perceive the reality of a situation.
When someone is said to have "pulled wool over one's eyes," they have successfully misled or deceived the person, often by cleverly concealing important facts or presenting false information. This action is typically undertaken to gain an advantage, escape suspicion, or achieve personal goals at the expense of others.
The phrase implies that the deceived person was unaware of the truth and unknowingly accepted the deceitful information or actions. It suggests a lack of skepticism or awareness on the part of the deceived individual, emphasizing their vulnerability and gullibility.
"Pulled wool over one's eyes" can be used in various contexts, such as personal relationships, business dealings, or political scenarios, highlighting instances where manipulation and deception have occurred. It is often associated with a sense of betrayal or surprise when the truth eventually comes to light, exposing the actions of the deceitful person.
Overall, this expression underscores the concept of being manipulated or duped by someone, highlighting the power of deception in disguising true intentions or hiding unfavorable facts.