Definition

Phrasal Verb: - To pass or sell (something) to someone deceitfully: To trick someone into accepting or buying something that is fake, inferior, or unwanted, often by misrepresenting it.

Usage

This phrasal verb is transitive and requires an object. It is often used in the structure "foist something off on someone." The tone is negative, implying dishonesty and trickery.

Examples

• The dishonest merchant tried to foist off the counterfeit watch on an unsuspecting tourist.
• She realized her colleague was trying to foist off his extra responsibilities on her.
• They attempted to foist the damaged goods off as first-quality merchandise.

Advanced Usage

• "foist oneself off as": To falsely present oneself as someone or something. This is a more specific, idiomatic use.
  • The impostor foisted himself off as a licensed doctor for years before being caught.

Variants and Related Words

• Foist (verb): To impose an unwelcome or unnecessary person or thing on someone.
  • He always tries to foist his political opinions on everyone at dinner.

Synonyms

• Palm off: To deceive someone into accepting something.
• Fob off: To deceitfully give or sell something inferior to someone.
• Pass off: To present something falsely.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Palm off: Very similar in meaning, often used interchangeably.
  • He palmed off his old laptop on his younger brother.
• Fob off: Can also mean to give a deceptive or unsatisfactory answer.
  • The company fobbed us off with excuses instead of a refund.

Related Idioms

• Sell a pup (British, informal): To swindle someone by selling them something worthless.
  • I think I was sold a pup with this so-called "antique."

Verb

1. sell as genuine, sell with the intention to deceive