When you write, you should be aware that there are rules that regulate and guide the use of words, phrases, and idioms in the English language. You must study well before you can be assured of using words and idioms well when writing.
The idiomatic expression “as genuine as a three-dollar bill” means something counterfeit, a copy, or fake. So when you say something is as genuine as a three-dollar bill, it means that thing is not authentic or is just a carbon copy of the original product.
With the explanation we provided on the meaning of the idiom “as genuine as a three-dollar bill,” we expect you to be excited about using it when writing. However, a deeper look at the idiom will make you use it better. Relax and enjoy learning.
What Does The Expression “As Genuine As A Three-Dollar Bill” Mean?
Having a comprehensive knowledge of an idiomatic expression is very important. And this is why you need to know all about the definition and the origin of the idiom.
Every idiom has a literal meaning, also known as the connotative meaning, and you get the meaning by looking at the words of the idiom. Idioms also have a figurative or denotative meaning which is the hidden meaning of the idiom. You have to study an idiom before you can get the figurative meaning.
Now, we will be discussing the meaning of the idiomatic expression “as genuine as a three-dollar bill.”
The idiomatic expression “as genuine as a three-dollar bill” means something completely false and fake, something that is illegitimate and not genuine at all. It refers to something that is not authentic.
It also means being dishonest, extreme and phony, counterfeit, or fake. When you tell someone that a promise is as genuine as a three-dollar, you infer that the person is making a dishonest promise, one that they will not keep.
The idiom also means something that is an imitation of the real deal, and it also means something that is forged or shamed. The expression “as genuine as a three-dollar bill” can also refer to when you have or claim to have something that does not exist.
What Is The Origin Of The Idiomatic Expression “As Genuine As A Three-Dollar Bill”?
Although there is no verified theory of the origin of the idiom “as genuine as a three-dollar bill,” however, some sources claim it originated from the United States. On the 28th of October 1945, an issue was released by a Campus Illinois newspaper. The earliest use of the idiom can be found in the issue released.
The article that contained the idiomatic expression was a story about a fireman and a local ex-sailor named Filthy Willy. Filthy Willy was discharged because he was diagnosed with a kind of neurosis. He spent his time fiddling with his Model A Ford and rambling about today’s society.
Other sources claim the idiomatic expression evolved from the British English idiomatic expression “bent as a nine bob note.” Although, it appears that all examples of the British idiom appear to be more recent than the American version.
How Do People Use The Idiomatic Expression “As Genuine As A Three-Dollar Bill”?
Having understood the meaning and origin of the idiomatic expression “as genuine as a three-dollar bill,” we will now focus on how to use the idiom.
The idiomatic expression “as genuine as a three-dollar bill” is used to describe something forged and not genuine. When someone claims to have a painting of the Mona Lisa in their living room, you can say that painting is as genuine as a three-dollar bill.
When you use the idiom “as genuine as a three-dollar bill,” you refer to something fake and not authentic. The idiom is used to describe a product or an object that is a counterfeit.
Another way of using the idiomatic expression “as genuine as a three-dollar bill” is a description of something that is not real. When someone claims to have a phone that can walk, you can say that phone is as genuine as a three-dollar bill.
You can also use the idiomatic expression “as genuine as a three-dollar bill” when saying someone is dishonest. So you can say whatever James tells you is as genuine as a three-dollar bill.
Anything that is not true or is fake is said to be as genuine as a three-dollar bill. There are other expressions used in place of the idiom, and these expressions are “as queer as a three-dollar bill” and “as phony as a three-dollar bill.”
The idiomatic expression “as genuine as a three-dollar bill” is not always to be written with the “as genuine,” you can use it without the “as” and say “genuine as a three-dollar bill.”
From the explanation, you will notice that the idiomatic expression “as genuine as a three-dollar bill” can be used in two different contexts. You can use it when describing something fake and also when saying someone is dishonest.
From the explanation we have given, you can now have a comprehensive knowledge of the idiom “as genuine as a three-dollar bill” so you can know when and how to use it in a sentence.
Illustrative Examples Of How To Use The Expression “As Genuine As A Three-Dollar Bill”
Now that you have fully understood the meaning, origin, and the correct way to use the idiomatic expression “as genuine as a three-dollar bill,” we will be looking at some illustrative examples that clarify the idiom.
- When I told Anne that I needed a new watch, she introduced me to John, who told me he was selling Rolex watches, but I was lucky enough to find out that the watches were as genuine as a three-dollar bill before I could make a purchase.
- When the senator gave his speech, everyone was happy about the promises made, but after two years, we realized that the senator is genuine as a three-dollar bill.
- Ezra told us that the Louis Vuitton bag we bought at the store on the street was genuine as a three-dollar bill, but we did not believe him until we saw an original and compared it with ours.
- Edward told me he found a course online that will teach you how to become a millionaire in a week, but I told him such a course was as genuine as a three-dollar bill and will only take his time and money.
- I did not realize on time that Peter is genuine as a three-dollar bill until he scammed me after persuading me to invest in his upcoming business venture.
- I did not realize the Gucci Bag I bought at the mall last week was as genuine as a three-dollar bill until Joshua visited me yesterday and described what the original looked like; I was so furious that I went back to the mall to return it.
- Elizabeth’s new shoes were as genuine as a three-dollar bill, and this was because she had no experience in purchasing. After all, her mum was the one who bought everything she ever needed.
- When my mom said she was going to get me the latest bags, I told her to make sure the bag is not as genuine as a three-dollar bill because I wanted the real deal.
- While I was surfing the internet, I came across a post on an investment that will double your money in just a day. After investing all my savings, I found out that the investment was as genuine as a three-dollar bill, and I was so distraught and vowed to never fall for anything on the internet.
- Gabriel told me to never buy any designer product from a local store because most of them are always as genuine as a three-dollar bill. He told me of his experience and said I should always buy from the designer store itself.
- James was known to be a liar, so when he told all his classmates that he visited the Great Wall of China during the spring break, no one believed him because they thought everything he said was as genuine as a three-dollar bill.
- Betty bought a new set of AirPods that she thought were original because it was expensive. However, she realized they were as genuine as a three-dollar bill because they stopped working after a week.
- I was so worried that the bag I ordered from eBay would be genuine as a three-dollar bill, but when it was eventually delivered, it was an original, and I was excited.
More English Idioms
Final Thoughts
Every day you come across different idioms. Having the ability to use them depends on how well you understand the idiom. From this article, you should keep in mind that the most common meaning of the idiom “as genuine as a three-dollar bill” is something fake or false.
Idioms are vital in any language you are communicating in, and finding the proper idiomatic expression to convey a message is a skill required by everyone. However, you can only acquire that skill when you have a comprehensive knowledge of idioms.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.