What does the term "conning" refer to?

The term "conning" is primarily understood as "tricking" someone, particularly in the context of deception or manipulation. It implies the use of cleverness or cunning to persuade someone to believe something that isn't true, often for personal gain. This usage aligns with the idea of using charm or deceit to achieve an outcome, such as swindling or scamming. In various contexts, "conning" reflects an act of leading someone to a false conclusion through misleading actions or statements.

On a broader scale, while directing or controlling someone could share some similarities in terms of influence, those terms typically carry a different connotation and do not inherently involve the element of deception that is central to "conning." "Helping," on the other hand, suggests a positive and supportive action, which contrasts with the deceptive nature of "conning."