What does "sell" mean?

In addition to the idioms beginning with sell, also see hard sell; like hot cakes, sell.

See sell in WNW Idioms

sell off

to get rid of by selling, esp. at low prices

sell oneself

  1. to exchange one's services for a price, esp. for a dishonorable purpose, as for prostitution
  2. ☆ Informal to convince another of one's worth

sell out

  1. to get rid of completely by selling
  2. ☆ Informal to betray (one's associates, cause, country, etc.)
  3. ☆ Informal to give up or be unfaithful to one's artistic aspirations or moral principles so as to achieve success, financial gain, etc.

sell short

☆
  1. to sell securities, etc. not yet owned
  2. to value at less than its worth; underestimate

sell up

Brit.
to sell all of (the land or household goods) of (a debtor) so as to satisfy his or her debts

See sell in American Heritage Dictionary 4 Idioms

sell a bill of goods

Informal
To take unfair advantage of.

sell down the river

Informal
To betray the true trust or faith of.

sell short

  1. To contract for the sale of securities or commodities one expects to own at a later date and at more advantageous terms.
  2. To underestimate the true value or worth of: Don't sell your colleague short; she's a smart lawyer.

Learn more about sell

link/cite print suggestion box