What are the definitions of “palm off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 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.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “palm off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb palm off is to deceive someone into accepting something that is not true or of low quality. It is often used when someone tries to sell something by pretending it is better than it actually is or when someone gives a false excuse.
What are the different verb forms of “palm off”?
| Root Verb | palm off |
| Third Person Singular Present | palms off |
| Present Participle | palming off |
| Simple Past | palmed off |
| Past Participle | palmed off |
Example
She tried to palm off her old phone as a new one.
Example
He always palms off his responsibilities on others.
Example
They are palming off counterfeit products as genuine ones.
Example
She palmed off a fake painting as an original masterpiece.
Example
The dishonest salesman had palmed off many fake items on unsuspecting customers.
What kind of phrasal verb is “palm off”?
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
“palm off” 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 tried to palm off a fake watch on me.
Example
She palmed off her chores on her younger brother.
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
“palm off” 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 tried to palm off a fake watch on me.
Example
She palmed off her chores on her younger brother.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “palm off”?
Good things to know
Does “palm off” have an informal or formal tone?
Palm off is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal settings or written documents. Instead, more formal synonyms such as 'deceive' or 'mislead' can be used.
