# strike a false note

idiom

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

## Meaning

To give the impression of being insincere, incongruous or inappropriate.

## Examples

- His apology strikes a false note with me.
- The politician's attempt to sound humble during the interview struck a false note with the voters.
- Although the actor delivered his lines with technical precision, his performance struck a false note that failed to capture the character's genuine grief.

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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.