Pass off as
phrasal verb
To pretend to be something or someone not real or true, typically in order to deceive.
He tried to pass off as a policeman.
Often appears as...
- pass off as genuine
- pass off as real
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrasal verb
To pretend to be something or someone not real or true, typically in order to deceive.
He tried to pass off as a policeman.
Often appears as...
- pass off as genuine
- pass off as real
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Deception Intent
Use 'pass off as' when someone intends to deceive or trick others by imitating something or someone.
She tried to pass off as a celebrity to get the VIP treatment.
Pro Tip 2/3Imitation Level
'Pass off as' usually suggests a good, but not perfect, imitation that could fool some people.
He managed to pass off as a doctor until someone noticed his lack of medical knowledge.
Pro Tip 3/3Spotting Differences
To understand 'pass off as,' look for small inconsistencies to spot what's fake.
The fake designer bag almost passed off as genuine, but the stitching was off.
Pro Tip 1/3Deception Intent
Use 'pass off as' when someone intends to deceive or trick others by imitating something or someone.
She tried to pass off as a celebrity to get the VIP treatment.
Pro Tip 2/3Imitation Level
'Pass off as' usually suggests a good, but not perfect, imitation that could fool some people.
He managed to pass off as a doctor until someone noticed his lack of medical knowledge.
Pro Tip 3/3Spotting Differences
To understand 'pass off as,' look for small inconsistencies to spot what's fake.
The fake designer bag almost passed off as genuine, but the stitching was off.
Pro Tip 1/3Deception Intent
Use 'pass off as' when someone intends to deceive or trick others by imitating something or someone.
She tried to pass off as a celebrity to get the VIP treatment.
Pro Tip 2/3Imitation Level
'Pass off as' usually suggests a good, but not perfect, imitation that could fool some people.
He managed to pass off as a doctor until someone noticed his lack of medical knowledge.
Pro Tip 3/3Spotting Differences
To understand 'pass off as,' look for small inconsistencies to spot what's fake.
The fake designer bag almost passed off as genuine, but the stitching was off.
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