Pronunciation: [pˈʊl ðə wˈʊl ˌə͡ʊvə wˈɒnz ˈa͡ɪz] (IPA)
When we say someone "pulled the wool over our eyes," it means they deceived or tricked us. The spelling of this phrase may not be immediately intuitive, but in IPA phonetic transcription, it is /pʊl ðə wʊl ˈoʊ.vər wʌnz aɪz/. The "oo" sound in "wool" is pronounced as a long "u" sound, while the "ow" sound in "over" is pronounced as "oh-ver." The final "s" sound in "eyes" is also pronounced softly. Overall, this phrase is a great example of how English spelling can be tricky!
The phrase "pull the wool over one's eyes" is an idiomatic expression that refers to the act of deceiving or tricking someone into believing something that is false or misleading. It implies the successful manipulation of someone's perception or understanding in order to gain an advantage or avoid detection.
The origin of this phrase is believed to be derived from the practice of pulling a woolen fabric over someone's eyes as a way to blindfold them and prevent them from seeing the truth. Metaphorically, it signifies deliberately obscuring someone's vision or awareness to manipulate their judgment or actions.
When someone pulls the wool over one's eyes, they are essentially misleading or duping the individual, causing them to be ignorant or oblivious to the truth. This deception can occur in various contexts, such as personal relationships, business dealings, or even in politics.
The phrase connotes a sense of cunning manipulation, as the person perpetrating the deception is often portrayed as being crafty or sly. It suggests that the individual being deceived is unsuspecting or easily fooled, underscoring the need for vigilance and critical thinking to avoid being taken advantage of.
Overall, "pull the wool over one's eyes" serves as a cautionary reminder to remain skeptical and discerning, encouraging individuals to question information or motives to avoid falling victim to deceit or manipulation.