To Cheat on Something Meaning
Definition: To break the rules when doing something to give oneself an advantage.
The phrase to cheat on something means to behave dishonestly when doing something to give oneself an advantage. It is often used in the context of education, but it can be used in any situation in which one can break the rules to gain an advantage.
If someone cheats on something, it is usually implied that the person does not intend for anyone else to find out about his or her dishonesty.
Ways to Use To Cheat on Something
The phrasal verb cheat on has two meanings in English, and its meaning will depend on whether someone is cheating on something or someone. To cheat on something means to break the rules or act dishonestly for one’s self-benefit.
This carries a different meaning that cheating on someone, although the two are related. If a woman cheats on her husband, she has committed adultery. The dishonest activity still applies in this context as well as the implication that the woman did not want her husband to find out.
To cheat on something deals with breaking the rules of a test, a game, etc. To cheat on someone deals with adultery.
Examples of To Cheat on Something
This phrase usually refers to schoolwork. However, it can be used in any circumstance in which someone acts dishonestly to give oneself an advantage.
This sample conversation between two friends illustrates the correct use of this phrase.
Trina: Did you hear that Jade is getting suspended?
Patrick: No, why?
Trina: She got caught cheating on her exam.
More Examples
- In late August 2012, Harvard administrators revealed that nearly half the students in a large class – identified by students as Government 1310, Introduction to Congress, with 279 students – were suspected of having cheated on a take-home final exam in May. – NY Times
- We found no significant difference between the propensity of Swedes and Italians to cheat on taxes. – The Washington Post
Summary
The English phrase to cheat on something means to do something dishonest to give oneself an advantage. It is commonly used to refer to education and schoolwork, but it can be used to refer to any situation in which someone has broken the rules or behaved dishonestly to gain an advantage.
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