sell short

Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition
  1. Verb (idiomatic):
    • To underestimate the true value, ability, or potential of someone or something; to fail to give proper credit or recognition.
    • To sell securities, commodities, or currency that one does not currently own, with the expectation that the price will fall, allowing one to buy them back later at a lower price for a profit.
Usage and Examples

  • Underestimating value or ability:

    • As a manager, you shouldn't sell your team short; they are capable of great things.
    • The critic's review sold the film short by ignoring its innovative storytelling.

  • Financial trading:

    • The hedge fund decided to sell short the tech stock, predicting a market correction.
    • Selling short is a risky strategy because if the price rises, losses can be unlimited.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
  • The idiom often implies a judgment error or a lack of faith. It can be used reflexively:
  • In finance, "sell short" or "short selling" is a formal trading technique. The process involves borrowing the asset to sell it, with an obligation to repurchase it later.
Variants and Related Terms
  • Short sell (verb): A variant form with the same meaning, especially in finance.
  • Short selling (noun): The practice or instance of selling short.
  • Short (verb, finance): Informal for "to sell short" (e.g., ).
  • Sell (someone) short on (something): A less common construction specifying the aspect being underestimated (e.g., ).
Synonyms
  • Underestimate: To judge something as less than it is.
  • Undervalue: To assign too low a value.
  • Disparage: To belittle or speak slightingly of (stronger, more negative connotation).
  • Short (finance): To engage in a short sale.
Antonyms
  • Overestimate / Overvalue: To judge something as greater than it is.
  • Go long (finance): To buy an asset expecting its price to rise.
Related Idioms and Phrases
  • Sell (oneself) short: The most common idiomatic form, emphasizing self-deprecation.
    • You have so much experience; applying for that entry-level job is selling yourself short.
  • Do oneself a disservice: A similar concept of not recognizing one's own worth.
Verb
  1. underestimate the real value or ability of
    • Don't sell your students short--they are just shy and don't show off their knowledge
  2. sell securities or commodities or foreign currency that is not actually owned by the seller, who hopes to cover (buy back) the sold items at a lower price and thus to earn a profit