Definition

1. Noun:
   • A consignment of merchandise: A quantity of goods shipped or delivered together as a single batch.
   • A misleading or deceptive representation: A communication (written or spoken) that persuades someone to accept something untrue or undesirable; a false story or set of promises meant to trick someone.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Literal Merchandise):

  • The warehouse received a new bill of goods from the manufacturer.
  • The invoice listed every item on the bill of goods.

• Noun (Figurative/Deceptive Idea):

  • The salesman sold me a bill of goods about the car's perfect condition, but it broke down immediately.
  • Don't believe his flattery; he's just trying to sell you a bill of goods.

Advanced Usage

• "to sell someone a bill of goods": This is the most common idiomatic usage. It means to deceive or trick someone by making false claims or promises.
  • The contractor sold the homeowners a bill of goods about completing the renovation in two weeks.
• The phrase often implies the listener was gullible or too trusting in accepting the false information.

Variants and Related Words

• Bill of lading (n): A detailed list of a ship's cargo in the form of a receipt given by the carrier to the person consigning the goods. (This is a related, specific commercial term but is not the same as "bill of goods").
• Bill of sale (n): A formal document that serves as proof of purchase and transfer of ownership of an item.

Synonyms

• Deception: The act of deceiving someone.
• Misrepresentation: The action of giving a false or misleading account of the nature of something.
• Line: (Informal) A story or persuasion attempt, often insincere (e.g., "He gave me a line about being an investor").
• Snow job: (Slang) An intensive effort at persuasion or deception.

Related Phrases

• "to buy a bill of goods": To be deceived; to accept a false story or set of promises.
  • I realize now that I bought a bill of goods when I invested in that scheme.

Related Idioms

• "Snake oil": A product, promise, or idea that is fraudulent or worthless.
  • His plan for instant wealth was just snake oil. (This is a close conceptual synonym for the deceptive meaning of "bill of goods").

Noun

1. a consignment of merchandise
2. communication (written or spoken) that persuades someone to accept something untrue or undesirable
   • they tried to sell me a bill of goods about a secondhand car