put-up job

Idioms and Phrases

A prearranged conspiracy, especially a crime such as a burglary. For example, The police suspected that the butler was in on it—it was a put-up job . This colloquial phrase was first recorded in 1810.

Example Sentences

“I regarded the whole thing as a fabrication, a hoax, a put up job,” he wrote in May 1983.

From The Daily Beast

For 'twas all, sir, a put-up job on a pore young man like me; And the jury was bribed a puppos, and aftdrst they couldn't agree.

From Project Gutenberg

"Why, can't you see this warrant is a put-up job," Charley exclaimed impatiently.

From Project Gutenberg

It was all a put-up job to get me out, and that Matson lad in.

From Project Gutenberg

Of course he was one of the gang, and his fall was a put-up job to get Will out of the way.

From Project Gutenberg

He had been intensely interested in the Arab's tale, and the thought that it was a put-up job did not appeal to him in the least.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• action
• conspiracy
• game plan
• ploy
• practice
• scenario