Phrasal verb
pass off
Definition
phrasal verb. To pretend that something or someone is something else, often to trick people. You use this when you want to make a fake item or a person seem real or more important.
phrasal verb. To represent something or someone falsely as being something else. This transitive verb typically requires the preposition 'as' to introduce the fraudulent identity or quality.
Examples
“He tried to pass off the fake painting as an original.”
“The salesman tried to pass off the used car as brand new, but the mechanic quickly noticed the engine wear.”
“In a daring move, the spy passed himself off as a high-ranking diplomat to gain access to the secure facility during the international summit.”
Examples
simple
“He tried to pass off the fake painting as an original.”
contextual
“The salesman tried to pass off the used car as brand new, but the mechanic quickly noticed the engine wear.”
complex
“In a daring move, the spy passed himself off as a high-ranking diplomat to gain access to the secure facility during the international summit.”
Usage
This verb is separable, but the object usually sits between 'pass' and 'off' when it is a pronoun.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'pose as', which only applies to people; 'pass off' can apply to both people and objects.
Pitfall
He passed off as a lawyer.
He passed himself off as a lawyer.
When a person is faking an identity, the reflexive pronoun (himself/herself) is necessary.
Phrasal verb
Particles
off
Separability
optional
Pattern
pass + object + off + as + noun
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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