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> these companies will simply hollow ARM out (slash R&D, cut staff etc) to pump up the target’s value, before flogging it off or breaking it up.

What does "flogging it off" mean in this context?

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sell something off quickly

It's a malapropism for "fobbed off", which means to trick someone into buying something of inferior quality or value.

Don’t think that’s right. Flogging something means to sell it, usually in a careless kind of manner.

This thread is the first time I've ever heard of 'flogging' meaning selling something off hurriedly. The predominant way I've seen it used is to refer to administering punishment via whipping.

yeah it means that too, it's British slang.

INFORMAL BRITISH sell or offer for sale. "he made a fortune flogging beads to hippies"

That is indeed the meaning of the verb "to flog". Like you would to a horse in the 17th century, to make it go faster. "Flogging off" goods to make them move faster is a relatively simple leap (and universal British slang).

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