I was born yesterday meaning

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born yesterday

Extremely naïve, gullible, or unintelligent, like a newborn baby. Almost always used in the negative or as a rhetorical question. Don't think you can fool me with that old ruse, I wasn't born yesterday, you know.Of course I know that major political issues can't be fixed overnight. Do you think I was born yesterday?Oh, you expect me to believe that you've been in your room all night and didn't just sneak in the house a few minutes ago? Well, I wasn't born yesterday—and I heard the door open!

born yesterday

Naive or ignorant. Used in negative constructions: Of course I can use a computer; I wasn't born yesterday.

See also: born, yesterday

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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Definition & Meaning of "be born yesterday"

The origin of the idiom "be born yesterday" is not definitively known, but it likely stems from the literal sense of being recently born and therefore lacking knowledge or experience. The phrase itself has been in use since at least the early 20th century, appearing in written works and popular culture. It is a figurative expression that draws upon the notion of a newborn infant having no previous exposure to the world and being easily fooled or misled due to their lack of understanding. Over time, the idiom has become a common way to express skepticism or doubt about someone's naivety or gullibility.

Example

Do n't try to pull that trick on me.

He thinks he can fool us with his excuses, but we were n't born yesterday.

I ca n't believe she fell for that scam.