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

Keeley just uses the bait and switch to claim the visitors locker room for the women. — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

But that bait and switch was exactly what Hull wanted from Ventimiglia in the character. — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026

This seems to be the world’s most obvious bait and switch, though. — Brendan Quinn, New York Times, 17 May 2026

His responses to our questionnaire — especially on the trash fee bait and switch — were the best of the four candidates. — U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for bait and switch

• bewitch
• caliche
• distich
• enrich
• bitch
• ditch
• fiche
• glitch
• hitch
• ich
• itch
• kitsch

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