A2Business

Die Katze im Sack kaufen

To buy something without properly inspecting it, often leading to a bad deal or disappointment

In German

Die Katze im Sack kaufen

dee kat-se im zak kou-fen
Literal Translation
To buy the cat in the bag
Meaning
To buy something without properly inspecting it, often leading to a bad deal or disappointment.

Equivalent:"To buy a pig in a poke"

Origin:In medieval markets, unscrupulous traders might try to sell a common cat instead of a valuable piglet, hidden in a sack. The buyer would only discover the deception upon opening the sack.

Example Sentences

  1. 1

    Ich würde das Auto nicht kaufen, ohne es vorher genau anzusehen; das wäre die Katze im Sack kaufen.

    I wouldn't buy that car without looking at it closely first; that would be buying a pig in a poke.

  2. 2

    Viele Online-Angebote sind wie die Katze im Sack kaufen, wenn man keine Bewertungen liest.

    Many online offers are like buying a pig in a poke if you don't read reviews.

FAQ

How do you say "To buy something without properly inspecting it, often leading to a bad deal or disappointment" in German?

"To buy something without properly inspecting it, often leading to a bad deal or disappointment" in German is "Die Katze im Sack kaufen" (dee kat-se im zak kou-fen). Example: Ich würde das Auto nicht kaufen, ohne es vorher genau anzusehen; das wäre die Katze im Sack kaufen..

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