# false note

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/false-note
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Of a remark or narrative, an indication (as discerned by the listener or reader) of untruth, insincerity, or inconsistency.

## Examples

- His apology sounded like a false note.
- The politician tried to sound sincere, but his promise to lower taxes struck a false note with the crowd.
- Throughout the entire memoir, the author’s sudden shift to a tone of humble regret struck a false note, suggesting he was merely trying to manipulate the reader’s sympathy.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.