Rip off

Meaning

The idiom "rip off" means to take advantage of someone or something by using deception, fraud, or exploitation. It can also mean to imitate or copy someone else's work or ideas without giving them proper credit.

Usage

• The company was accused of ripping off customers by charging high prices for products that were similar to those sold by competitors.
• The actor ripped off his co-star's lines during the performance, leading to a heated argument backstage.
• The artist was accused of ripping off another painter's work and passing it off as their own.
• The journalist was criticized for ripping off an interview with a celebrity and using it in their article without permission.
• The company was sued for ripping off customers by misrepresenting the benefits of their product.

Roots and History

The idiom "rip off" originated in the late 19th century, around the time when fake news and yellow journalism became popular. It comes from the literal act of tearing something apart or taking it away, which was used to describe the unethical practices of journalists and politicians at the time. Over time, the idiom has evolved to include a wider range of actions that involve exploitation or deceit.

Synonyms in English

• Swindle
• Scam
• Con
• Fraud
• Trick

Synonyms in other languages

• Entrapar (Spanish) - To trap someone or cheat them.
• Falsificare (Italian) - To forge or falsify something.
• Betrügen (German) - To deceive or mislead someone.
• 欺骗 (Mandarin Chinese) - To deceive or swindle someone.
• 诽丧 (Japanese) - To defame or slander someone.

Similar Idioms

• rain or shine

• rub the wrong way

• rocket science