What does “Sell (Someone) a Bill of Goods” mean?
"Selling someone a bill of goods" means to deceive or trick someone into believing something that is not true.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He tried to sell me a bill of goods by promising a huge return on investment.
Example
Don't let him sell you a bill of goods with his smooth talk.
Example
She was sold a bill of goods when she bought that expensive product
Is “Sell (Someone) a Bill of Goods” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Sell (Someone) a Bill of Goods” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Sell (Someone) a Bill of Goods” effectively in context?
You can use "Sell (Someone) a Bill of Goods" to describe a situation where someone is deceived or tricked into believing something that is not true. It implies that someone has been convinced to buy into a false or exaggerated idea or product. For example, if a salesperson tries to convince you to invest in a product by making unrealistic promises, you might say, 'Don't let them sell you a bill of goods.'
- 1Buying a Product
She was sold a bill of goods when she bought that expensive product.
- 2Listening to a Sales Pitch
He tried to sell me a bill of goods by promising a huge return on investment.
- 3Being Persuaded
Don't let him sell you a bill of goods with his smooth talk.
Similar phrases to “Sell (Someone) a Bill of Goods”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Sell (Someone) a Bill of Goods” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Sell (Someone) a Bill of Goods" is unknown.
Is “Sell (Someone) a Bill of Goods” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Sell (Someone) a Bill of Goods" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where they feel deceived or tricked into believing something that turned out to be false.
What tone does “Sell (Someone) a Bill of Goods” have?
"Sell (Someone) a Bill of Goods" conveys a tone of caution and skepticism. It suggests that the speaker is warning others to be wary of being deceived or tricked by false promises or claims.
Can “Sell (Someone) a Bill of Goods” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Sell (Someone) a Bill of Goods" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of deception or trickery. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He tried to sell me a bill of goods by promising a huge return on investment.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Don't let them "sell you a bill of goods"!' to imply being cautious and not easily deceived.
