buy off

verb

1. tr, adverb to pay (a person or group) to drop a charge, end opposition, relinquish a claim, etc

Idioms and Phrases

Pay to get rid of a claim or opposition, or to avoid prosecution, as in He was caught trying to buy off the opposing candidate . [First half of 1600s]

Example Sentences

And his crimes, according to the indictment, were at times so exceedingly small-bore that it expands the imagination to consider how little it takes to buy off some elected officials.

From Slate

It’s all made from regular Legos you can buy off the shelf.

From Seattle Times

Is this a reasonable amount, or just enough to buy off the powerful bike lobby?

From Seattle Times

If I were the prosecutor, I would want to have proof of a conversation where Trump admits that we've got to call these hush-money payments legal fees or something else in order to buy off Stormy Daniels.

From Salon

Because they discovered "it was easier to buy off politicians" than invest in green technology, oil companies have stymied efforts to spread public awareness about climate change and thereby cultivate the collective will to implement solutions.

From Salon

Related Words

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