Palm off
Meaning
To deceptively sell or pass off something of inferior quality, or something unwanted, as valuable or desirable.
Origin
The verb 'to palm' has long been associated with concealment and trickery, particularly in the context of sleight of hand. Magicians would 'palm' a card or coin—holding it secretly in the hand—to make it appear or disappear as part of an illusion. This deceptive act of hiding something in the palm and then subtly introducing or removing it gave rise to the phrase 'palm off' around the early 19th century. It describes the act of secretly passing off an inferior item or an unwanted burden as something genuine or desirable, just as a conjurer might secretly swap out an object right before your eyes. The phrase perfectly captures the cunning and underhanded nature of such a transaction, where one person is tricked into accepting something they wouldn't if they knew its true nature.
Examples
- The antique dealer tried to palm off a cheap replica as a genuine 18th-century vase to the unsuspecting tourist.
- She managed to palm off her old, broken phone to her younger brother, convincing him it was still in good condition.