What does “To buy a pig in a poke.” mean?

"To buy a pig in a poke" means to purchase something without seeing or inspecting it first.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I wouldn't recommend buying that car without taking it for a test drive. To buy a pig in a poke. You should always inspect it first.

Example

Be careful when shopping online. Sometimes you buy a pig in a poke and end up with a product that doesn't meet your expectations.

Example

He regretted his decision to buy a pig in a poke when the item he purchased turned out to be damaged and unusable

Is “To buy a pig in a poke.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“To buy a pig in a poke.” 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 “To buy a pig in a poke.” effectively in context?

You can use "To buy a pig in a poke" to caution someone against making a purchase without thoroughly inspecting or evaluating the item beforehand. It emphasizes the importance of being cautious and not blindly trusting the seller. For example, if a friend is considering buying a used car without test driving it, you might say, 'Be careful, you don't want to buy a pig in a poke. Make sure to take it for a test drive and have a mechanic inspect it.'

1Online Shopping
Before making a purchase on an online marketplace, it's important to read reviews and ask for detailed information about the product. You don't want to buy a pig in a poke and end up with something that doesn't meet your expectations.
2Real Estate
When buying a house or property, it's crucial to conduct thorough inspections and assessments. Don't rush into a deal and buy a pig in a poke. Take your time to ensure that the property is in good condition and meets your requirements.
3Secondhand Items
If you're considering purchasing a used item, such as a car or electronics, always inspect it carefully before making a decision. Don't be tempted to buy a pig in a poke and end up with a faulty or damaged product.

Similar phrases to “To buy a pig in a poke.”:

Look before you leap

To consider the consequences before taking action

Example

Before investing in a new business venture, it's important to look before you leap and thoroughly research the market.

A penny saved is a penny earned

Saving money is just as valuable as earning it

Example

By cutting down on unnecessary expenses, you can save more money. Remember, a penny saved is a penny earned.

Don't count your chickens before they hatch

Don't assume success or victory before it actually happens

Example

Although the project is going well, it's important not to count your chickens before they hatch. Anything can happen.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “To buy a pig in a poke.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "To buy a pig in a poke" can be traced back to medieval Europe. In those times, dishonest sellers would often try to deceive buyers by placing a small, low-value animal like a cat or a dog inside a bag instead of the promised pig. The buyer would only discover the deception after purchasing the bag, hence the phrase.

Is “To buy a pig in a poke.” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "To buy a pig in a poke" is not as commonly used in everyday conversation compared to other proverbs or idioms. However, it is still recognized and understood by native English speakers, especially in formal or written contexts where cautionary advice is given.

What tone does “To buy a pig in a poke.” have?

"To buy a pig in a poke" conveys a tone of warning and skepticism. It is used to advise someone to be cautious and not make hasty decisions when it comes to purchases or investments.

Can “To buy a pig in a poke.” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "To buy a pig in a poke" is considered formal and is more commonly used in written or formal contexts, such as business transactions, legal documents, or professional advice. However, it can also be used in informal conversations to convey the same cautionary message.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

The phrase is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Don't be fooled by the attractive packaging. You don't want to "buy a pig in a poke" and end up with a subpar product.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Be careful not to "buy a pig in a poke"!' to imply caution.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

buy blind
take a leap in the dark
purchase sight unseen
buy without inspection
buy without scrutiny

Antonyms

make an informed decision
inspect before buying
try before you buy
see it to believe it
evaluate before purchasing