offer one can't refuse
An offer from one side in a transaction with terms so attractive that the other side is almost guaranteed to accept.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The company gave me an offer I can't refuse.”
“He makes me an offer I can't refuse for my old car.”
“She gives him an offer he can't refuse to finish the project early.”
“With a massive salary increase and flexible hours, the job offer was truly one I couldn't refuse.”
“The landlord promised to renovate the entire kitchen and lower the rent, making it an offer I can't refuse.”
“If they include free flights and a luxury hotel for the whole week, it becomes an offer you can't refuse.”
“The store is giving away a second television for free today, which is definitely an offer we can't refuse.”
“The developers presented a buyout package so lucrative that the smaller firm found it to be an offer they simply could not refuse.”
first recorded 20th c.
The origin of the phrase remains unknown. It gained significant public recognition following its appearance in the 1972 film The Godfather, in which the expression is associated with the persuasive methods of a criminal patriarch.
- 01
as best one can
In the best possible way, given one's circumstances and abilities.
- 02
as far as one knows
To the best of one's knowledge, as far as someone knows or possible information to be gathered about the topic, subject, aspect, or situation.
- 03
back to square one
Located back at the start, as after a dead end or failure.
- 04
beat as one
To share the same feelings.
- 05
become one flesh
To join together in marriage; to develop a unifying bond as a result of marrying.
- 06
beggars can't be choosers
Something is better than nothing: those who can't provide for themselves should accept whatever help is available.
- 07
bite off more than one can chew
To try to do too much; to take on or attempt more than one is capable of doing.
- 08
bite the big one
To perform poorly; to fail.
Last updated August 10, 2026