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What is the origin of the expression 'pull a fast one'?
Don't try to pull a fast one on me. I'm not stupid, you know.
pull a fast one (on somebody) tell lies or cheat somebody, for example in order to get their money, possessions, etc; deceive somebody.
Where did the phrase 'pull a fast one' come from?
Dasik
Posted 2014-04-06T00:58:15.430
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Yes, it's not mentioned everywhere and it's a bit difficult to find. What I find at most of the places is this - The Dictionary of American Slang cites a use in print in 1944 but doesn't explain the origin.
However, I got it!
Origin: before 900; Middle English; Old English fæst firm; cognate with Dutch vast, Old Norse fastr firm, German fest; akin to fast
Maulik V
Posted 2014-04-06T00:58:15.430
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The answer above shows the origin of the word 'fast,' not the expression 'pull a fast one.' I googled it and found where the idiom is originated.
This expression originated in the English sport of cricket, and meant to bowl a fast ball. It probably became popular in the United States either in reference to a fast shuffle of cards or to the fastball in baseball, which usually comes when you're not expecting it.
The explanation is cited from http://s3.amazonaws.com/edcanvas-uploads/307480/local/1391220521/Historical%20Fiction%20Week%203.pdf
veto player
Posted 2014-04-06T00:58:15.430
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I'm voting to close this question as off-topic because it is about etymology. lease consider asking this question on English Language & Usage (http://english.stackexchange.com/) instead.
– kiamlaluno – 2016-10-10T09:55:48.5231http://wordoriginsorg.yuku.com/topic/9638/pull-a-fast-one Google search to the rescue...search using "etymology" and the word/phrase you want to check. – user3169 – 2014-04-06T04:35:32.253
It's interesting; however, as I understand, etymology is off-topic here. It might be better to avoid asking etymology questions. :-)
– Damkerng T. – 2014-04-06T12:20:36.167