Palm off as

verb

To make someone take or accept something that is not good or genuine by using deception.

He tried to palm off a fake painting as a real Van Gogh.
Visual representation of "palm off as" - To make someone take or accept something that is not good or genuine by using deception

Often appears as...

  • palm off as genuine
  • palm off as real

Usage tips

Idiomatic

verb

To make someone take or accept something that is not good or genuine by using deception.

He tried to palm off a fake painting as a real Van Gogh.
Visual representation of "palm off as" - To make someone take or accept something that is not good or genuine by using deception

Often appears as...

  • palm off as genuine
  • palm off as real

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "palm off as"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Deceptive Intent

Implies the person using it intends to deceive others by presenting something fake as real.

Illustration for Deceptive Intent
Be careful at street markets, vendors might palm off replicas as genuine merchandise.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Negative Connotation

Using 'palm off as' suggests a negative judgment about the action, showing disapproval.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
She scorned the salesman for trying to palm off damaged goods as new.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Subtlety and Skill

The phrase often implies skill or craftiness in the deception, not just a straightforward lie.

Illustration for Subtlety and Skill
The forger was skilled at palming off his forgeries as originals to unsuspecting buyers.
Visual representation of the word "Palm off as"

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