In English, the phrase Take Someone for a Ride – carries layers of slang, idiom, and colourful expression that blend humour with a warning against dishonesty. Its origin stretches back over a century, weaving through literature, movies, and stories where a cunning trickster might deceive an unsuspecting victim for gain or advantage. I’ve often heard this phrase tossed into conversation with a mix of playful and serious tones—sometimes in storytelling, sometimes as a lesson to avoid falling prey to manipulation. The cultural reference has become a familiar part of English speakers’ everyday speech, where the meaning is instantly recognizable and tied to society’s norms about trust, integrity, and honesty.
From body language to clues in a scheme or plan, knowing how to spot when someone’s trying to mislead, swindle, or fool you can save you from costly mistakes. I remember a situation in everyday life when a friend almost got scammed, but by staying alert and noticing patterns in the context, they avoided it. Such examples highlight the value of being careful, suspicious when necessary, and protecting your relationships from betrayal. The lesson is timeless—teach young people and others in your circle about moral standards, acceptable vs. unacceptable behavior, and the importance of learning from others’ experiences. That’s how we share awareness and keep the phrase alive not just as a catchphrase, but as a powerful reminder in society.
Literal vs. Idiomatic Language: Understanding “Take Someone for a Ride”
Language gets interesting when what you say doesn’t literally match what you mean.
- Literal meaning: offering someone a lift in a car.
- Idiomatic meaning: deceiving or tricking someone, or—even darker—getting rid of someone, often in criminal stories.
That contrast makes take someone for a ride a vivid phrase in conversation. It’s surprising, a bit informal, and packs a punch.
Definition of “Take Someone for a Ride”
Let’s break down what this idiom really means.
Primary Definition (Informal American English):
To trick, swindle, or deceive someone—often in a casual, underhanded way.
Secondary Definition (Criminal/Gangster Slang):
In mob or gangster lingo, “to take someone for a ride” can mean to kidnap or execute them.
Quick Table
| Usage Type | Meaning | Example |
| Everyday idiomatic | To cheat or deceive someone | “He took me for a ride by selling fake concert tickets.” |
| Criminal/gangster slang | To kidnap or murder | “The mob took him for a ride—he vanished afterward.” |
Historical Origins: How Did It All Begin?
Tracing idioms can feel like detective work. Let’s unpack what historians and linguists have found.
- Early Literal Use:
- People have said “take someone for a ride” literally for centuries.
- Giving someone a vehicle lift was routine language in the early 1900s.
- People have said “take someone for a ride” literally for centuries.
- Metaphorical Shift to Deception:
- By the mid-20th century, writers and speakers began using it figuratively to mean tricking someone.
- This shift added emotional weight—imagine thinking you’re getting a favor, only to be duped.
- By the mid-20th century, writers and speakers began using it figuratively to mean tricking someone.
- Mobster Influence During Prohibition (1920s–1930s):
- Organized crime figures popularized the darker version.
- Someone might vanish after being “taken for a ride,” meaning they were eliminated.
- True crime archives and contemporaneous newspapers confirm that usage in headlines and police reports.
- Organized crime figures popularized the darker version.
Case Study:
- A 1930s police report described a missing gangster as “having been taken for a ride.”
- It wasn’t a friendly gesture—it was a euphemism for a hit.
The Mobster Connection: From Carpool to Cartel
The contrast between casual use and mob slang makes this idiom rich with cultural flavor.
- Mobster slang:
- “They took him for a ride”—not a drive, but a one-way trip.
- Symbolized disappearance, fear, or death.
- “They took him for a ride”—not a drive, but a one-way trip.
- Why it caught on:
- People enjoyed coded language—talk about criminal activity without naming it outright.
- Popular gangster films of the era sprinkled in lines like, “He’s gone. They took him for a ride.”
- People enjoyed coded language—talk about criminal activity without naming it outright.
Notable Example from Pop Culture:
In classic noir films, shady characters would say something like, “He’s missing—must’ve been taken for a ride.” That line delivered chills—and drama.
The Double Meaning in Context
This idiom only works when context clues guide you to the right meaning. Let’s walk through some scenarios.
- Everyday, literal:
“Let me take you for a ride to the mall.”
Clearly, it means you’ll get a lift. - Casual deception:
“He really took me for a ride with that fake offer.”
You’re saying someone tricked you. - Criminal context:
“There were rumors he was taken for a ride by rival gang members.”
This implies either kidnapping or murder.
Tips to tell them apart:
- Listen to tone: friendly makes literal, shady suggests deception.
- Consider setting: a casual chat vs. newsy or crime-related conversation.
- Watch for supporting words: “scam,” “offer,” “taken away,” etc.
Use in Everyday American English Today
This idiom has stuck around, and you’ll hear it often—though mostly for non-criminal situations.
Common Modern Examples
- Consumer Scams:
“I think that deal took me for a ride—total rip-off.” - Sales & Marketing:
“I feel like I got taken for a ride during that car sale.” - Everyday Conversation:
“We were definitely taken for a ride on that amusement park price.”
Why It Works
- Familiar: many Americans grew up hearing it from older generations.
- Expressive: it packs emotion in just a few words.
- Flexible: can mean light deception (someone overcharged you) or heavy (serious betrayal)
Pop Culture References to “Take Someone for a Ride”
Movies, music, and TV shows love idioms—especially this one.
Film & Television
- Classic Gangster Movies:
Often used to signal a sinister twist. The line “He got taken for a ride” sets a dark, ominous tone fast. - Modern Crime Dramas:
Shows like The Sopranos or Boardwalk Empire use it to hint at criminal activity without spelling it out.
Music & Comedy
- Songs:
Especially in country or rock, you might hear, “Don’t try to take me for a ride on that promise.” - Comedy:
Stand-up comedians might joke, “My ex totally took me for a ride—on her shopping spree!”
These references keep the idiom alive—and fresh—across generations.
Related Idioms and Expressions
Want to diversify your conversational toolbox? Here are some similar expressions in both casual and criminal contexts:
| Type | Expression | Meaning |
| Everyday deception | “Pull the wool over someone’s eyes” | To trick someone |
| “Con someone” | To swindle or deceive | |
| Gangster slang | “Sleep with the fishes” | To be killed and disposed of |
| “Take a powder” | To leave abruptly or disappear | |
| General shady behavior | “Lead someone down the garden path” | To mislead or deceive |
These idioms offer fresh ways to express similar ideas—either in writing or speech.
How to Use “Take Someone for a Ride” Correctly
When It Works Best
- Casual conversation:
Great when talking about being cheated, duped, or tricked. - Storytelling:
Adds flavor when recounting a shady deal or a surprise turn of events. - Creative writing:
Use it in dialogue to suggest something darker—without spelling everything out.
When It Can Misfire
- Formal writing:
Say something like “He was deceived” instead—this idiom feels too informal. - International audiences:
Non-native speakers might find the multiple meanings confusing. - Serious contexts:
If you’re discussing real criminal acts, consider clearer phrasing: “He was kidnapped” or “He was murdered.”
Final Thoughts
The idea of a Scrooge has traveled far beyond the pages of Charles Dickens’s Christmas Carol, becoming a universal and cultural symbol of stinginess and coldness. From its literary origins in December’s most famous story to its everyday use as a quirky term or label, this word has carried a colorful richness of meaning across languages and cultures.
We’ve all heard someone being called a miser, whether at a holiday dinner when a friend refuses to chip in for the bill, or during the festive spirit when someone avoids buying a gift. Its staying power lies in how powerful, descriptive, and relatable it is — a reminder that words can transform, stick, and quietly shape how we see people and their behaviors.
FAQs
Q1: What does “Scrooge” mean?
A Scrooge refers to a miserly or cold-hearted person, often someone who refuses to share, spend, or enjoy the festive spirit.
Q2: Where did the term “Scrooge” come from?
It comes from Charles Dickens’s 1843 novel A Christmas Carol, where Ebenezer Scrooge is the main antagonist who undergoes a transformation from stinginess to generosity.
Q3: Why is “Scrooge” still used today?
The term endures because it’s a powerful, cultural reference that describes a type of behavior we can still observe in everyday life.
Q4: Can “Scrooge” be used outside the holiday season?
Yes, it can describe someone who is cheap or unwilling to help at any time of the year, not just during December or the holidays.
Q5: Is calling someone a “Scrooge” considered rude?
It can be — it’s often a pejorative slang term, so context matters. Among close friends, it may be used playfully; otherwise, it can be seen as offensive.
Emma Brooke is a passionate language expert and contributor at GrammarPaths.com, where she helps learners navigate the complexities of English grammar, idioms, and effective writing. With a strong academic background and years of teaching experience, Emma excels at turning tricky grammar rules into simple, practical lessons that readers can easily grasp.
