English Explanatory Dictionary

pig in a poke

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. Something whose true value is concealed or unknown and may be lower than expected by the buyer or claimed by the seller, especially something offered for sale.

Pronunciation

En-au-pig in a poke.ogg

Word forms

pig in a poke pigs in a poke pigs in pokes

Etymology

Reportedly from the practice of substituting a butchered cat, etc. for a suckling pig when sold in a sack at a market. Other theories circulate but all involve the purchase of a cat in a bag, where the buyer expected better. poke refers to a bag or sack, and is related to pouch.

Related words

puss in a bag sell someone a pup I have a bridge to sell you let the cat out of the bag
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