Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

bill of goods

American  
[bil uhv goodz] / ˈbɪl əv ˈgʊdz /

noun

  1. a quantity or consignment of saleable items, as an order, shipment, etc.

  2. Informal. a misrepresented, fraudulent, or defective article.


idioms

  1. sell someone a bill of goods, to defraud or deceive someone.

    He sold me a bill of goods about that used car.

Etymology

Origin of bill of goods

First recorded in 1925–30


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Steinberg suggests I was sold a bill of goods.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 11, 2023

I can’t help but wonder if McIlroy feels now like he was sold a bill of goods.

From Seattle Times ● Jun. 6, 2023

Because people should know when they’re being sold a bill of goods.

From Washington Post ● Jan. 23, 2023

We have been sold an unwarranted bill of goods as to our uniqueness in the animal kingdom.

From Salon ● May 30, 2021

But I wasn't buying the bill of goods Shohreh Saedi was selling.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

Get a word

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training