Definition of the word foist on

The origin of the phrase "foist on" can be traced back to the mid-19th century when the word "foist" was commonly used to describe the act of forcing or inserting something dishonestly. Specifically, "foist" referred to the forceful insertion of merchandise into a ship's cargo without the knowledge or consent of the ship's owner. This practice was known as "foisting," and it was commonly used by unscrupulous merchants to deceive buyers into thinking they were receiving a specific product when they were actually getting a lower-quality or less-valuable item. By "foisting" these items onto unsuspecting buyers, the merchants could make a quick profit before being discovered. Over time, the term "foist" took on a broader meaning, and "foisting" came to refer to the act of forcing or imposing something, especially something of lower quality or value, onto someone. This meaning can still be seen in the colloquial use of "foist on" today, where it refers to the act of imposing something unwanted or undesirable onto someone by force, trickery, or deception.