PhrasesHub

Make him an offer he can't refuse

    Definitions

      • intimidate or coerce
        To present someone with an offer or proposal that is so advantageous or compelling that they feel they have no choice but to accept it, often implying a threat or use of force

    Examples of Make him an offer he can't refuse

    • The shady businessman knew that the rival company's CEO had a lot to lose, so he proposed a deal that was too good to pass up. "We're willing to offer you a joint venture that will give your company a significant stake in our organization. It's an opportunity that you can't afford to miss," he stated.

      The idiom "Make him an offer he can't refuse" is from the 1972 film The Godfather. It means to offer someone something so attractive or advantageous that it's virtually impossible for them to turn it down. In this example, the businessman is trying to persuade the rival company's CEO to accept his proposal by presenting it as an opportunity that's too good to refuse.

    • After months of negotiations, the art dealer knew that he had found the perfect buyer for a rare sculpture. "I'm having a private viewing in two weeks. You'll be the first to see it. And I'll make you a deal that's better than any you've ever heard before," he promised.

      The idiom "Make him an offer he can't refuse" is used here to indicate that the art dealer is presenting an offer that the buyer is unlikely to refuse. By promising to show the buyer the sculpture before anyone else and offering a special deal, the art dealer is making the offer irresistible.

    • The sales executive was trying to close a deal with a potential client who was being difficult. "Look, I understand that you're not convinced yet. But I'm giving you a one-time offer that you can't refuse. If you sign on the dotted line today, I'll throw in a free year of service," he said persuasively.

      The idiom "Make him an offer he can't refuse" is used here to convey that the sales executive is presenting a special offer that's too attractive to turn down. By offering a free year of service, the sales executive is making the offer more enticing and increasing the likelihood that the client will accept.

    • The CEO was sent to negotiate with the company's biggest competitor. "We know that you've been struggling to stay afloat. But we can offer you a deal that will change the game. If you merge with us, we'll give you a stake in our company and a share of the profits. You can't afford to refuse this opportunity," he declared.

      The idiom "Make him an offer he can't refuse" is used here to indicate that the CEO is presenting an offer that's so favorable that it's virtually impossible for the competitor to turn it down. By offering a stake in the company and a share of the profits, the CEO is making the offer too attractive to resist.

    • The CEO of our rival company has shown interest in our product line. In order to secure a lucrative partnership, we've got to sweeten the deal. Let's make him an offer he can't refuse, such as a significant discount or an exclusive distribution deal.

      The meaning behind the expression "Make him an offer he can't refuse" is to present a proposal that is so attractive or beneficial that the recipient has no reasonable alternative but to accept it. Essentially, it implies that the offer is so appealing that it would be foolish to reject it. The expression was famously used in the 1972 film "The Godfather," where it was associated with the Mafia's business tactics of applying pressure or imposing consequences on those who refuse their offers. However, in the business world, the phrase is used more broadly as a persuasive technique for closing deals and securing agreements.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "make him an offer he can't refuse" is commonly used to convey the idea of presenting someone with a compelling offer that they cannot turn down, often with an underlying tone of intimidation or coercion. It is typically used in a light-hearted or humorous manner when discussing negotiations or proposals.

    The phrase can also be used more seriously, conveying the idea of leveraging power or influence to compel someone to accept an offer, perhaps in a business or political context. Overall, the idiom is used to emphasize the irresistibility of an offer or proposal.

    Origin of "Make him an offer he can't refuse"

    The origin of the idiom "make him an offer he can't refuse" can be traced back to the famous line from the movie "The Godfather." In this iconic scene, the character Don Vito Corleone uses the phrase to convey the idea of presenting an offer that cannot be rejected, often with an implied threat of consequences for refusing.

    The idiom has since become a popular and widely recognized phrase in English, used to emphasize the compelling nature of an offer or proposal. It is often employed in a lighthearted or exaggerated manner, drawing on the memorable association with the powerful and intimidating character from the film. The phrase has become a part of popular culture, used to convey the idea of presenting an offer that is so advantageous or compelling that it cannot be refused.