Someone else cheating on a test, on taxes, in a deal, in a game, etc. can mean:
- The idea of unethical shortcuts, dishonesty, or stealing is on your mind, possibly because of a situation in real life
- You resent someone whom you feel is attempting to control you (teacher, government, other authority), and you are rebelling because you feel unempowered
You cheating can mean:
- You honestly don't want to do the work or you'd prefer a shortcut somewhere in your life
- You are are dreading or not interested in something you have to do
- You're feeling dishonest or are considering cheating or its consequences