1
general::
Phrase(s): sell someone or something short
Fig. to underestimate someone or something; to fail to see the good qualities of someone or something. • This is a very good restaurant. Don’t sell it short. • When you say that John isn’t interested in music, you’re selling him short. Did you know he plays the violin quite well?
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
1. Contract for the sale of securities or commodities one expects to own at a later date and at a lower price, as in Selling short runs the risk of a market rise, forcing one to pay more than one expected. [Mid1800s] 2. sell someone short. Underestimate the true value or worth of someone, as in Don't sell her short; she's a very able lawyer. [First half of 1900s]
American Heritage Idioms