Fleecing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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fleecing
[fleece-ing ]
Definition
slang usage
Fleecing refers to the act of swindling or deceiving someone, particularly by taking their money under false pretenses. It typically implies a level of cunning and manipulation, often associated with financial fraud. The term can be used in various contexts, ranging from minor scams to significant theft. Essentially, it signifies taking advantage of someone's trust for personal gain.
Synonyms
cheat, defraud, rip-off, swindle.
Examples of usage
- He was fleeced out of his life savings.
- The con artist managed to fleece several unsuspecting victims.
- She felt foolish for being fleeced by a supposed friend.
Translations
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Origin of 'fleecing'
The term 'fleecing' derives from the word 'fleece,' which originally meant the wool shorn from a sheep. The metaphorical usage of 'fleece' to indicate swindling or cheating dates back to the early 19th century. This usage likely arises from the idea of stripping something valuable from someone, similar to shearing a sheep. The imagery conjures up the notion of taking someone's possessions or resources, leaving them bare like a sheep after it has been shorn. Over time, 'fleecing' evolved into a colloquial term often associated with scams and deceitful acts, highlighting the cleverness and treachery involved in such acts.