lead someone up the garden path en · VERB
Pronunciation
- /ˈlid ˌsʌmwʌn ˈʌp ðə ˈɡɑɹdən ˌpæθ/ (General-American)
- (General-American) audio
- /ˈliːd ˌsʌmwʌn ˈʌp ðə ˈɡɑːdn̩ pɑːθ/ (Received-Pronunciation)
Etymology
Probably a reference to the fact that a garden path is often winding instead of direct.
Meanings
-
(idiomatic) To deceive, hoodwink, mislead, or seduce someone.
"You're a pair of conspiring females," he growled. "A fine couple of contriving minxes! You've even led my Peterkin up the garden path."
1969, Erich Kästner, translated by Cyrus Brooks, Lottie and Lisa, New York, N.Y.: Knopf, →OCLC:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| led someone up the garden path | Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| led someone up the garden path | Tense=Past | lexicographic | |
| leading someone up the garden path | Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| leads someone up the garden path | Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres | lexicographic |
Deriveds
Synonyms
lead someone down the garden path · lead someone up the garden