swindle
C1Formal / Informal (more common in journalistic and legal contexts)
Definition
Meaning
To cheat or deceive someone in order to obtain money or property dishonestly.
A scheme or instance of cheating someone out of money or property through deception or fraud. Can also refer to any act of obtaining something through dishonest means.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Carries strong connotations of criminality, financial loss, and intentional deception. Implies a deliberate, calculated act rather than a spontaneous theft. Often involves a degree of persuasion or trickery to gain the victim's trust.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. 'Swindle' is used in both varieties. Minor spelling differences in related terms (e.g., swindler).
Connotations
Similar negative connotations in both varieties, associated with white-collar crime or elaborate scams.
Frequency
Slightly more common in British English, but well-established in American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
swindle somebodyswindle somebody out of somethingswindle something from somebodyVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a swindle sheet (expense account)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to describe fraudulent investment schemes or corporate embezzlement.
Academic
Used in law, criminology, or sociology papers discussing types of fraud.
Everyday
Used to describe being tricked into paying for something worthless.
Technical
Used in legal contexts as a specific charge of obtaining property by fraud.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The con artist tried to swindle the elderly couple out of their life savings.
- He was convicted for swindling investors in a fake property scheme.
American English
- The contractor swindled us by taking a deposit and never starting the job.
- They set up a website to swindle people with fake concert tickets.
adjective
British English
- The swindle operation was run from a call centre abroad.
- He had a long history of swindle activities.
American English
- The swindle scheme netted the criminals millions.
- She uncovered a swindle plot within the company's accounting department.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He lost his money in an online swindle.
- The man was a swindler.
- The businessman was arrested for swindling his clients out of thousands.
- The entire investment opportunity turned out to be an elaborate swindle.
- The documentary exposed how the pyramid scheme swindled vulnerable people across Europe.
- Prosecutors argued that the defendant's actions constituted a deliberate swindle, not a simple breach of contract.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SWINdler as a 'swine' - an unpleasant person who 'dles' (deals) dishonestly.
Conceptual Metaphor
BUSINESS IS WAR (the swindler is an attacker, the victim is loot), COMMUNICATION IS A CONDUIT (false information is transmitted).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'swing' (качаться).
- Closer to 'мошенничать' or 'обманывать на деньги' than general 'обманывать'.
- The noun 'swindle' is мошенничество, афера.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'swindle' for non-financial deception (e.g., 'He swindled me into believing him' is weak).
- Confusing spelling: 'swindel' is incorrect.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST synonym for 'swindle' in a legal context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Steal' involves taking property without consent. 'Swindle' involves deceiving someone into voluntarily handing over property or money.
Yes, 'swindle' is both a verb and a noun (e.g., 'He fell for a swindle').
Yes, 'swindler' is the standard term for a person who commits a swindle.
Primarily, but it can be extended to obtaining anything of value (e.g., votes, privileges) through fraud.