Caught with chaff

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Meaning

Fooled or nabbed by a trick, taken in.

Origin

From 15th-century England, tied to farming; chaff lured birds to traps, slang by 1470s in a poem for fool. A 1590s play uses it for a dupe.

Variants

  • With chaff

Usage Examples

  • He was caught with chaff; fell for it.
  • Caught with chaff; she bought the scam.
  • Don't get caught with chaff; watch out!

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