cheat

Universal Words verb, noun verb 1 [VN] to trick or deceive sb, especially when they trust you: She is accused of attempting to cheat the taxman. * Many people feel cheated by the government's refusal to hold a referendum. * He cheated his way into the job. 2 [V] ~ (at sth) to act in a dishonest way in order to gain an advantage, especially in a game, a competition, an exam, etc: He cheats at cards. * You're not allowed to look at the answers-that's cheating. * Anyone caught cheating will be automatically disqualified from the examination. 3 [V] ~ (on sb) (of sb who is married or who has a regular sexual partner) to have a secret sexual relationship with sb else: He's cheating on his wife. IDIOMS cheat death (often used in newspapers) to survive in a situation where you could have died PHRASALVERBS cheat sb (out) of sth to prevent sb from having sth, especially in a way that is not honest or fair: They cheated him out of his share of the profits. noun (especially BrE) 1 (also cheater especially in AmE) [C] a person who cheats, especially in a game: You little cheat! * Are you accusing me of being a cheat? * a plan to crack down on tax cheats 2 [sing.] something that seems unfair or dishonest, for example a way of doing sth with less effort than it usually needs: It's really a cheat, but you can use ready-made pastry if you want.