1 B2 idiomatic informal
To deceive someone into accepting something inferior, false, or unwanted.
"The market trader tried to palm off fake designer handbags as the real thing."
separable
palm off
B2 informal separable transitive
To get rid of something unwanted or inferior by deceiving someone into accepting it.
In plain English
Trick someone into taking something you don't want, by making it seem better than it is.
What does "palm off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To transfer an unwanted task or responsibility to another person, often by deception or manipulation.
"She was always trying to palm off her least favourite tasks onto the new interns."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To conceal something in the palm of your hand and pass it off — refers to sleight-of-hand magic tricks.
Actually means
Trick someone into taking something you don't want, by making it seem better than it is.
Usage tip
Usually implies deception or unfair treatment. Can be used for physical objects or tasks/responsibilities. 'Palm something off on/onto someone' is the standard construction.
Words that pair with "palm off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
fake goods work task children responsibility
How to conjugate "palm off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
palm off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
palms off
he/she/it
Past simple
palmed off
yesterday
Past participle
palmed off
have + pp
-ing form
palming off
continuous
Hear "palm off" in the wild
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