"Pig in a poke" is a colloquial expression that refers to buying something without inspecting it first. Synonyms for this idiom include "buying blind", "taking a risk", "purchasing sight unseen", "gambling with money", and "buying without knowing". These expressions convey the notion of making a purchase without being fully aware of the condition or quality of the item. "Pig in a poke" originated from a deceptive sales practice where sellers would substitute a cat for a pig in a bag, tricking buyers who did not inspect the product before purchasing. In modern times, it suggests buyers should exercise caution and always inspect products before buying them.