# ring false

idiom

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

## Meaning

To seem to be incorrect, or implausible.

## Examples

- His excuse for being late rings false.
- I wanted to believe his story, but something about his explanation just rings false.
- Despite the politician's carefully rehearsed speech, his promises of reform rang false to the skeptical audience.

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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.