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Phrasal verbs "fob off" vs "palm off"

Differences between fob off and palm off

Fob off and palm off are similar in meaning, but there is a slight difference. Fob off means to deceive or trick someone by giving them something of low quality or value instead of what they were expecting. Palm off means to deceive or trick someone by giving them something that is not genuine or authentic.

Meanings and Definitions: fob off vs palm off

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Fob off

  • 1Make or persuade someone to accept something.

    I FOBBED it OFF Paul.

  • 2Lie or deceive someone.

    He FOBBED us OFF with a really stupid excuse.

Palm off

  • 1Get someone to accept something that isn't true.

    He tried to PALM me OFF with a pathetic excuse.

  • 2Pretend something is better than it is in order to sell it.

    He tried to PALM his computer OFF as the latest model.

Usage Examples: fob off, palm off in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

fob off

Example

She tried to fob off the damaged goods on the unsuspecting customer.

Example

He fobs off his old clothes to his younger brother.

palm off

Example

She tried to palm off her old phone as a new one.

Example

He always palms off his responsibilities on others.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Fob off

give the runaround

To avoid or delay answering a question or providing information by giving excuses or irrelevant responses.

Example

The customer service representative kept giving me the runaround when I asked for a refund.

brush off

To dismiss or ignore someone or something without giving it proper attention or consideration.

Example

He brushed off my concerns about the project's deadline and said everything would be fine.

pull the wool over someone's eyes

To deceive or trick someone by making them believe something that is not true.

Example

The salesman tried to pull the wool over my eyes by selling me a faulty product.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Palm off

pass off as

To present or sell something as genuine or authentic when it is not.

Example

He tried to pass off the fake painting as an original and fooled many art collectors.

foist on

To force or impose something on someone, especially something unwanted or inferior.

Example

The boss tried to foist the tedious task on the new employee who had no experience in that area.

pawn off

To sell or dispose of something cheaply or dishonestly.

Example

He tried to pawn off his old car on his friend who was looking for a reliable vehicle.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “fob”

Phrasal Verbs with “off”

Differences in fob off vs palm off: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: fob off or palm off?

Both fob off and palm off are not very common in everyday conversation. They are more likely to be used in formal or written contexts. However, palm off is slightly more common than fob off.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of fob off and palm off

Both fob off and palm off are formal phrases that are not commonly used in casual conversations. They are more suitable for formal or written contexts such as business or academic settings.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of fob off and palm off

The tone of fob off and palm off can be negative or critical. Both phrases imply deception or trickery. However, fob off can also carry a sense of annoyance or frustration, while palm off can have a more serious or severe tone.

fob off & palm off: Synonyms and Antonyms

Fob off

Synonyms

Antonyms

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