pass off

verb

1. to be or cause to be accepted or circulated in a false character or identity

   he passed the fake diamonds off as real

2. (intr) to come to a gradual end; disappear

   eventually the pain passed off

3. to emit (a substance) as a gas or vapour, or (of a substance) to be emitted in this way

4. (intr) to take place

   the meeting passed off without disturbance

5. (tr) to set aside or disregard

   I managed to pass off his insult

Idioms and Phrases

Misrepresent something or someone, as in They tried to pass off that piece of glass as a gemstone , or Bill passed her off as his sister . [Late 1700s] Also see palm off .

Be completed or carried out, take place, as in The meeting passed off without incident . [Late 1700s]

Example Sentences

She pointed out that it was “silly” that a 30-year-old man was trying pass off yelling at teenagers as “debate.”

From Salon

He was instead the godfather of the “Debate Me” Bros, purveyors of a prevalent internet-based entertainment format that, in an era nearly void of substantive debate, is too often passed off as such.

From Salon

But even if it passes off smoothly and gaffe-free questions may remain about its efficacy.

From BBC

At least one accuser has said she was passed off to him by Epstein.

From Salon

They add that the US "is NOT going to pass off illegal aliens seeking asylum from our country to Canada and vice versa. This is part of being good neighbors and partners".

From BBC