English Expression: As phoney as a three-dollar bill
As phoney as a three-dollar bill is a nifty little expression that you may hear from time to time in movies or daily conversation.
It means that something is false or not real.
There is no such thing as a three-dollar bill in the United States.
There are such things as two-dollar bills though; those bills are as rare as hens’ teeth.
It is very rare to find one in daily life. I’ve come across them at race tracks for horses, and they are very easy to use for making quick two-dollar bets.
One day you may see a street vendor in New York City selling ‘authentic’ Gucci handbags for $50, but you can tell at a glance that they are as phoney as a three-dollar bill.
Anyway, it is illegal to bring knock-offs back with you when you re-enter Japan.
Just remember when something is fake, imitation or inauthentic it is as phoney as a three-dollar bill.