Low ball is a term that means to give or offer a deceptively low price or cost estimate. It is often used as a strategy to persuade a seller to lower the price on something, especially if the seller is in need of quick funding. Low ball can also be used as an adjective to describe a bid, offer, or price that is unfairly low.
Low ball can be used by buyers, sellers, or taxpayers in different contexts. For example, a buyer might make a low ball offer for a house, hoping that the seller will accept it or at least lower the asking price. A seller might low ball the cost of a service, intending to raise it later or add extra charges. A taxpayer might low ball the amount of income reported on a tax return, trying to avoid paying taxes on the full amount.
Here are some examples of how low ball is used in sentences:
- He was low balled by the car dealer who quoted him a much higher price than the advertised one.
- She decided to low ball her offer for the painting, knowing that the seller was desperate for cash.
- The contractor low balled the estimate for the renovation, but then added a lot of hidden fees and charges.
- He low balled his tips on his tax return, hoping that the IRS would not notice.
