Flatter to deceive

This expression is much beloved by sports commentators and, for some unknown reason, has become one of their favourites, even though they generally misuse it as a way to describe inconsistent performance. For example, when a footballer flatters to deceive the commentator usually means that the player in question displays promises or moments of brilliance only to be followed by a generally poor performance. This usage is perhaps understandable but is incorrect. Flatter to deceive means exactly what it says. It means to use praise and flattery as a ploy in order to disguise one’s real motive, which is to mislead. The poor footballer is certainly not doing that. His moments of incompetence are unfortunate but they are not his prime purpose or objective. An example of correct usage would be to extol someone’s culinary skills in order to get out of doing the cooking oneself. This correct usage has been around since at least the 16th century. Like so many expressions, its origin is the Bible Psalms 12:2, “People lie to one another; they flatter and deceive.”