Buy off
phrasal verb
To give someone money or something valuable, so that they will do something for you, usually something dishonest.
The politician was accused of buying off voters with promisses of tax reductions
Often appears as...
- buy someone off
- buy off a politician
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
phrasal verb
To give someone money or something valuable, so that they will do something for you, usually something dishonest.
The politician was accused of buying off voters with promisses of tax reductions
Often appears as...
- buy someone off
- buy off a politician
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Negative connotation
The phrase 'buy off' implies a dishonest or unethical action.
They tried to buy off the witnesses to ensure silence.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial usage
'Buy off' is informal and usually not used in formal or professional situations.
He wanted to buy off the competition, not beat them fairly.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural perception
In many cultures, the act of 'buying off' is considered corrupt and is illegal.
The company got fined for trying to buy off local officials.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative connotation
The phrase 'buy off' implies a dishonest or unethical action.
They tried to buy off the witnesses to ensure silence.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial usage
'Buy off' is informal and usually not used in formal or professional situations.
He wanted to buy off the competition, not beat them fairly.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural perception
In many cultures, the act of 'buying off' is considered corrupt and is illegal.
The company got fined for trying to buy off local officials.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative connotation
The phrase 'buy off' implies a dishonest or unethical action.
They tried to buy off the witnesses to ensure silence.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial usage
'Buy off' is informal and usually not used in formal or professional situations.
He wanted to buy off the competition, not beat them fairly.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural perception
In many cultures, the act of 'buying off' is considered corrupt and is illegal.
The company got fined for trying to buy off local officials.
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