What does it mean to hoodwink someone?

To hoodwink someone means to deceive or trick them, often by misleading or causing them to believe something that is not true. This term encapsulates an act of cunning or slyness where the person being hoodwinked is led to trust or accept false information. The concept of deception is a key aspect in many areas, including interpersonal relationships, business practices, and storytelling, where understanding the dynamics of trust and gullibility can be critical.

In the context of the other choices, enlightening someone involves providing clarity or insight, which is the opposite of deception. Supporting someone implies offering assistance or backing, again a constructive action contrary to the intent of trickery. Instructing someone means to teach, which fosters understanding and knowledge rather than misleading. Thus, in this context, the essence of hoodwinking aligns perfectly with the idea of deception and trickery.