Sell somebody/buy a pup

phrase

To trick someone into buying something that is useless or of no value.

I feel like I was sold a pup when I bought this old car; it's always breaking down.
Visual representation of "sell somebody/buy a pup" - To trick someone into buying something that is useless or of no value.

Often appears as...

  • be sold a pup
  • feel like one has bought a pup

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Idiomatic

phrase

To deceive someone into believing something false or misleading.

He sold me a pup when he said he had a degree in psychology; he didn't even go to college.
Visual representation of "sell somebody/buy a pup" - To deceive someone into believing something false or misleading.

Often appears as...

  • sell someone a pup
  • get sold a pup

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Idiomatic

phrase

To trick someone into buying something that is useless or of no value.

I feel like I was sold a pup when I bought this old car; it's always breaking down.
Visual representation of "sell somebody/buy a pup" - To trick someone into buying something that is useless or of no value.

Often appears as...

  • be sold a pup
  • feel like one has bought a pup

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Idiomatic

phrase

To deceive someone into believing something false or misleading.

He sold me a pup when he said he had a degree in psychology; he didn't even go to college.
Visual representation of "sell somebody/buy a pup" - To deceive someone into believing something false or misleading.

Often appears as...

  • sell someone a pup
  • get sold a pup

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "sell somebody/buy a pup"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Consumer Caution

Use this phrase when discussing purchases that didn't meet expectations.

Illustration for Consumer Caution
I thought I was getting a bargain, but I was sold a pup.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Negative Outcome

Implies regret or disappointment about a decision or purchase.

Illustration for Negative Outcome
That online course ended up being a waste; I totally bought a pup.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Misleading Value

Suggests an item or service was presented as more valuable than it truly is.

Illustration for Misleading Value
The advertisement was misleading—I was sold a pup.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Consumer Caution

Use this phrase when discussing purchases that didn't meet expectations.

Illustration for Consumer Caution
I thought I was getting a bargain, but I was sold a pup.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Negative Outcome

Implies regret or disappointment about a decision or purchase.

Illustration for Negative Outcome
That online course ended up being a waste; I totally bought a pup.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Misleading Value

Suggests an item or service was presented as more valuable than it truly is.

Illustration for Misleading Value
The advertisement was misleading—I was sold a pup.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Consumer Caution

Use this phrase when discussing purchases that didn't meet expectations.

Illustration for Consumer Caution
I thought I was getting a bargain, but I was sold a pup.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Negative Outcome

Implies regret or disappointment about a decision or purchase.

Illustration for Negative Outcome
That online course ended up being a waste; I totally bought a pup.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Misleading Value

Suggests an item or service was presented as more valuable than it truly is.

Illustration for Misleading Value
The advertisement was misleading—I was sold a pup.
Visual representation of the word "Sell somebody/buy a pup"

Never forget "Sell somebody/buy a pup"

Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google PlayGet it from MicrosoftGet it on AppGallery
Chrome

WordUp Chrome Extension

As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.

Get Chrome Extension
Back to top