What are the definitions of “fob off with”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Make or persuade someone to accept something of lower quality than they wanted.
He FOBBED her OFF WITH some fake gold.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “fob off with”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb fob off with is to make or persuade someone to accept something of lower quality than they wanted. It often implies deception or dishonesty.
What are the different verb forms of “fob off with”?
| Root Verb | fob off with |
| Third Person Singular Present | fobs off with |
| Present Participle | fobbing off with |
| Simple Past | fobbed off with |
| Past Participle | fobbed off with |
Example
He tried to fob her off with a cheap imitation of the designer bag.
Example
She always fobs off her customers with low-quality products.
Example
He is fobbing off his clients with substandard materials.
Example
They fobbed off the tourists with overpriced souvenirs.
Example
I was fobbed off with a fake watch when I visited the market.
What kind of phrasal verb is “fob off with”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“fob off with” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
He fobbed her off with a counterfeit painting.
Example
She fobbed the customers off with cheap knockoffs.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“fob off with” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
He fobbed her off with a counterfeit painting.
Example
She fobbed the customers off with cheap knockoffs.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “fob off with”?
Good things to know
Does “fob off with” have an informal or formal tone?
Fob off with is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations. It is not suitable for formal writing or professional settings. In more formal contexts, consider using synonyms such as 'deceive' or 'mislead'.
