sell someone a pup

Definitions

To sell something of little worth, pretending that it is something else of greater value.

UK

Equivalents

Examples

““Yes,” I agreed, “you undoubtedly sold him a pup. Precious mug he must have⟳ been to let⟳ you. But I suppose⟳, as it was Saturday night, he was pretty busy.””

“I don't know⟳ who sold him the gold prospectus, but whoever did, sold him a pup.”

“The document[…] reveals how Churchill complained that Duff had “sold him a pup” and let⟳ him think⟳ that “this place⟳ is a real bomb-proof shelter⟳”.”

“Online dog lovers sold a pup [title]”

“It hurt⟳ Henrietta to think⟳ that there was any area in which her husband did not excel, but if he had been anyone else she would have⟳ concluded that the dealer had sold him a pup.”

CEFR level