pass oneself off as
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words
To trick people into thinking you are someone or something that you are really not.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To pretend to be a person of a particular identity, profession, or type in order to be accepted or to deceive.
"She passed herself off as a journalist to gain access to the conference."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Reflexive construction: the subject and the object of deception are the same person. Always implies intentional fraud or deception. Commonly found in crime reporting, fiction, and discussions of identity.
Commonly used with
doctor police officer expert official celebrity local
Forms
Base
pass oneself off as
I/you/we/they
3rd person
passes oneself off as
he/she/it
Past simple
passed oneself off as
yesterday
Past participle
passed oneself off as
have + pp
-ing form
passing oneself off as
continuous
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