"Rip off" is a phrasal verb commonly used in everyday informal language and conversation, often found in both spoken and written forms such as casual text messaging, social media, and informal emails. It is typically used to describe a situation where someone feels that they have been cheated or overcharged, particularly in consumer contexts, such as when a product is priced higher than its perceived value, or when service charges are unreasonably high. "Rip off" can also be used more broadly to refer to unoriginal work or plagiarism, where an idea, design, or piece of art is copied without credit. While it is widely used informally, it may also appear in news articles or consumer reviews discussing pricing issues or intellectual property concerns. The usage of "rip off" carries a negative connotation, often expressing anger or dissatisfaction with a financial transaction or an unethical imitation.
B1
Intermediate
1. To charge someone excessively or unfairly for a product or service.
I bought a phone from that store and later found out they totally ripped me off.
Those designer handbags are just rip-offs. They're too expensive for the quality.
He always feels like he's getting ripped off at the car dealership.
2. To steal or take something illegally or dishonestly.
The thieves ripped off the jewelry store last night.
Someone ripped off my idea and presented it as their own.
The company got ripped off by hackers who stole sensitive data.
