bait and switch

noun

1

: a sales tactic in which a customer is attracted by the advertisement of a low-priced item but is then encouraged to buy a higher-priced one

2

: the ploy of offering a person something desirable to gain favor (such as political support) then thwarting expectations with something less desirable

Examples of bait and switch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Classical After a buzzing opening night complete with an indiscreet bait and switch—Josh Groban headlined after an ever-busy Cynthia Erivo had to withdraw—next up for the New York Philharmonic is a celebration of Afromodernism. —The New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2024

To be fair, the bait and switch is obvious from the jump. —Ben Croll, IndieWire, 6 Sep. 2024

The fake movie would be promoted and then audiences would get the bait and switch of a lifetime in the theater. —Zack Sharf, Variety, 25 July 2024

This one’s cheerfully grandiose title is, unsurprisingly, a bait and switch: These are sad songs, small in scope and size (none run past four minutes). —Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 4 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Legal Definition

bait and switch

noun

: a fraudulent or deceptive sales practice in which a purchaser is attracted by advertisement of a low-priced item but then is encouraged to purchase a higher-priced one

called also bait advertising