Lead somebody up/down the garden path

Pro Tip 1/3

This phrase is commonly used in British English and might be less familiar to speakers of other English varieties.

When I studied in London, my British friends often said someone had been 'led up the garden path'.

Pro Tip 2/3

Using this phrase implies that the deception was intentional and possibly elaborate or persuasive.

The politician led the voters up the garden path with his eloquent promises.

Pro Tip 3/3

The phrase often conveys a sense of betrayal or disappointment due to the deceit.

She felt hurt, realizing she'd been led down the garden path about the job's true nature.