Welcome to our fun exploration of idioms! Idioms are special phrases that don’t mean exactly what the words say. They are used by lots of people to express ideas in a colorful way. Today, we’re diving into idioms that include the word “false” or have something to do with being untrue or deceptive. These phrases will help you sound like a native speaker and add some spice to your conversations!
False Idioms
Here are 20 false idioms in English.
1. False alarm
Meaning: A warning that turns out to be unnecessary
Example: Everyone panicked, but it was a false alarm.
2. False colors
Meaning: Deceptive appearances
Example: He showed false colors in the meeting.
3. False dawn
Meaning: A promising situation that comes to nothing
Example: Their early lead was a false dawn.
4. False note
Meaning: Something that is insincere or inauthentic
Example: His apology struck a false note.
5. False start
Meaning: An unsuccessful attempt to begin something
Example: They made a false start on the project.
6. Play false
Meaning: To act treacherously or deceitfully
Example: She played false with her promises.
7. Bear false witness
Meaning: To lie or give untrue testimony
Example: He was accused of bearing false witness.
8. False heart
Meaning: A dishonest or insincere person
Example: Beware of his false heart.
9. False modesty
Meaning: Pretending to be modest
Example: Her humility was just false modesty.
10. False step
Meaning: A serious mistake
Example: His decision was a false step.
11. Under false pretenses
Meaning: Achieved through deceit
Example: He entered under false pretenses.
12. False bottom
Meaning: A hidden extra layer or compartment
Example: The box had a false bottom.
13. False friend
Meaning: A word that sounds similar in two languages but differs significantly in meaning
Example: “Actual” is a false friend in Spanish.
14. Fly a false flag
Meaning: To deceive by misrepresentation
Example: The spy flew a false flag.
15. False teeth
Meaning: Artificial teeth
Example: Grandpa got new false teeth.
16. False economy
Meaning: An apparent financial saving that actually leads to greater expense
Example: Buying cheap tools is a false economy.
17. False hopes
Meaning: Expectations unlikely to be fulfilled
Example: She gave him false hopes.
18. False position
Meaning: An uncomfortable or unnatural situation
Example: He was put in a false position.
19. Ring false
Meaning: To sound or seem untrue or insincere
Example: His excuses ring false.
20. Live a lie
Meaning: To live in a way that is dishonest
Example: He chose to live a lie rather than face the truth.
