hard-sell
[ hahrd-sel ]
/ ˈhɑrdˈsɛl /
verb (used with or without object), hard-sold, hard-sell·ing.
to sell or advertise (something) in a forceful and insistent way: to hard-sell new car models to reluctant buyers.
to convince (someone) in a forceful and insistent way: to hard-sell customers on a new product.
adjective
characterized by or promoted through a hard sell: hard-sell tactics.
Origin of hard-sell
An Americanism dating back to 1955–60
Words nearby hard-sell
hard-of-hearing,
hard-on,
hard-pressed,
hard-put,
hard-rock,
hard-sell,
hard-set,
hard-shell,
hard-shell clam,
hard-shell crab,
hard-spun
Definition for hard-sell (2 of 2)
hard sell
noun
a method of advertising or selling that is direct, forceful, and insistent; high-pressure salesmanship (opposed to soft sell).
Origin of hard sell
An Americanism dating back to 1950–55
British Dictionary definitions for hard-sell
Idioms and Phrases with hard-sell
hard sell
An aggressive, high-pressure sales practice or promotion, as in Used-car salesmen tend to give you a hard sell. This expression gave rise to the antonym soft sell, a low-key sales approach that relies on gentle persuasion. [Colloquial; c. 1950]
A difficult sales prospect, one who resists sales pressure. For example, Those brokers who call us at dinnertime find me a hard sell—I usually just hang up on them. [Late 1900s]