# palm off

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/palm-off
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to get rid of something unwanted by giving it to someone else, often by tricking them. You use this when you pass a low-quality item to another person.

For teachers: to dispose of an undesirable or inferior item by persuading another party to accept it, often through deception. The verb is transitive and allows for optional separation of the particle.

## Examples

- He often tries to palm off his extra work on his colleagues.
- The dishonest dealer tried to palm off a flooded car on the young couple by cleaning the interior thoroughly.
- The corporation was accused of trying to palm off its toxic assets onto unsuspecting investors just before the market crashed.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He palmed off the extra work to me." but "He palmed off the extra work on me." — The verb collocates with 'on' or 'onto' when identifying the person receiving the unwanted item.

## Usage notes

- Usually takes 'on' or 'onto' to indicate the person receiving the unwanted item.
- Teaching tip: Focus on the 'on/onto' collocation; it helps to visualize the physical act of 'palming' something to trick someone.

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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.