psych someone out

psych (someone or oneself) out

To psychologically manipulate or intimidate someone or oneself with the result of undermining performance or confidence. The boxer is notorious for the obnoxious and belittling taunts he uses to psych out his opponents. I got so nervous before starting the driving test that I think I just psyched myself out.
See also: out, psych
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

psych someone out

tv. to try to figure out what someone is likely to do. The batter tried to psych out the pitcher, but it didn’t work.
See also: out, psych, someone
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • for (one's) (own) sake
  • for sake
  • keep (someone or something) in sight
  • keep in sight
  • keep sight of
  • keep sight of (someone or something)
  • keep sight of somebody/something
  • leave (someone, something, or oneself) (wide) open for (something)
  • leave oneself wide open for
  • leave open