تعريف ومعنى "bait and switch"

bait and switch

a deceptive marketing tactic where a product or service is advertised at a low price to attract customers, but is then substituted for a more expensive or inferior option

Idiom

Informal

What is the origin of the idiom "bait and switch" and when to use it?

The idiom "bait and switch" originated in the realm of retail and marketing in the early 20th century. It describes a deceptive sales tactic where a seller advertises a product or service at an enticing price (the bait) to attract customers, but upon engagement, the seller then attempts to persuade the customer to purchase a different, usually more expensive, item (the switch). This tactic is designed to lure customers in with an appealing offer, only to disappoint or inconvenience them by redirecting their attention to a less desirable alternative. This expression is now used to attract potential buyers and capitalize on their interest, only to redirect them to a different, often less favorable, product or service.

Example

The seemingly attractive online deal for a smartphone turned out to be a bait and switch when the store insisted on selling a more expensive model upon pickup.

The restaurant's menu featured a tempting special, but diners felt deceived when it turned out to be a bait-and-switch, with the chef claiming they had run out of the advertised dish.

Homebuyers were wary of falling victim to a bait and switch, carefully scrutinizing property listings to ensure that the showcased features matched the actual offerings.