sell (one) a bill of goods

sell (one) a bill of goods

To attempt to convince one of a lie, especially in order to take unfair advantage of them; to swindle or con one. He said he would sell my bike and bring me back the profits, but he sold me a bill of goods—I never heard from him again! So you told me you would study harder if I got you that new video game, but your grades got even worse. Looks like you sold me a bill of goods!See also: bill, good, of, sell

sell someone a bill of goods

Fig. to get someone to believe something that isn't true; to deceive someone. Don't pay any attention to what John says. He's just trying to sell you a bill of goods. I'm not selling you a bill of goods. What I say is true.See also: bill, good, of, sell

sell a bill of goods

Deceive, swindle, take unfair advantage of, as in He was just selling you a bill of goods when he said he worked as a secret agent, or Watch out if anyone says he wants to trade bikes with you; he's apt to be selling you a bill of goods . The bill of goods here means "a dishonest offer." [c. 1920] See also: bill, good, of, sell

sell someone a bill of goods

deceive or swindle someone, usually by persuading them to accept something untrue or undesirable. A bill of goods is a consignment of merchandise. 1968 Globe & Mail (Toronto) There was no production bonus…We were sold a bill of goods. See also: bill, good, of, sell, someone

sell a bill of goods

Informal To take unfair advantage of.See also: bill, good, of, sell