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rob someone (blind)

rob someone blind

1. Fig. to steal freely from someone. Her maid was robbing her blind. I don't want them to rob me blind. Keep an eye on them.
2. Fig. to overcharge someone. You are trying to rob me blind. I won't pay it! Those auto repair shops can rob you blind if you don't watch out.
rob blind

Could you explain to me how "blind" grammatically works in this idiom?
Thank you.

edit: I've some info here:
What's the origin of "rob someone blind"?
Last edited:
rob blind

Could you explain to me how "blind" grammatically works in this idiom?
Thank you.
To rob someone blind is an idiom. I don't think it's useful to parse the role "blind" has in the phrase.
rob blind

Could you explain to me how "blind" grammatically works in this idiom?
Thank you.
I always understood it the same way as "to shoot someone dead", i.e. dead and blind is an adjective expressing the result of the verb.
If someone robs you blind, it means they steal/rob everything they can, even your eyesight if they could. Obviously the latter is a hyperbole, a "mild" exaggeration.

I posted that without checking it on the internet, so I might be off - even though it makes perfect (metaphorical) sense to me.
I'm looking forward to hear other opinions.

[crossposted - and unfortunately not the answer I was hoping for]
i.e. dead and blind is an adjective expressing the result of the verb
That was my first thought too — "blind" being used adjectivally — but at the link I gave in the OP in 'edit', it also says "bilnd" could be used adverbially meaning 'completely, totally.'👁 Smile :)
I searched a little online, and all I came up with was that the expression is American in origin, and dates from the late 19th century. The explanations put forward don't convince me, so I won't quote them.

"Blind" is also used for emphasis in other expressions, such as "He swore blind he didn't do it.
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