# fob off with

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fob-off-with
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to give someone a poor excuse or a low-quality item instead of what they actually asked for.

For teachers: to persuade someone to accept something of less value or an unsatisfactory explanation in order to avoid a request or complaint.

## Examples

- Don't let them fob you off with a cheap replacement.
- When I asked for a refund, the manager tried to fob me off with a store credit voucher.
- The government attempted to fob the public off with vague promises of reform rather than addressing the systemic issues directly.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He fobbed off me with an excuse." but "He fobbed me off with an excuse." — when using a pronoun like 'me', it must come between 'fob' and 'off'.

## Usage notes

- usually follows the pattern 'fob someone off with something'.
- Teaching tip: highlight the deceptive or dismissive intent behind the action; it is more specific than 'deceive' because it involves giving a substitute.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.