# pass off

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

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

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He passed off as a lawyer." but "He passed himself off as a lawyer." — When a person is faking an identity, the reflexive pronoun (himself/herself) is necessary.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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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.