Definition
An offer from one side in a transaction with terms so attractive that the other side is almost guaranteed to accept.
A threatening offer by one party for which the results of failing to accept are so unattractive that the other party is almost compelled to accept.
Origins
Unknown. A famous example is found in the film The Godfather (1972).
In Context
- "But in 2001 the government of Singapore made him an offer he couldn't refuse: the directorship of the brand new Genome Institute along with a $25 million starting budget."
- "The Mafia godfather Rocco . . . makes Jack an offer he can't refuse: marry Carol or else."