False alarm

noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A warning signal (such as the call of sentry, the ringing of a bell, or the shriek of a siren) which turns out to have been given erroneously.

    ""Then, if they rise, shout the alarm at the top of your voice [...] but be careful not to rouse the camp by a false alarm, for if you do, instead of gaining credit we shall become the jest of the whole force.""

  2. 2
    a warning that is given about something that fails to occur wordnet
  3. 3
    A thing or occurrence which initially causes fear, distress, etc. but which is subsequently recognized as being no cause for concern. broadly, idiomatic

    ""This may be a false alarm, or a forged letter," said De Bracy."

  4. 4
    A person who pretends to be more accomplished or a thing that seems to be of higher quality than is later found to be the case. archaic, idiomatic

    ""I don't believe you're a bank robber, at all! I don't believe you are even a rustler! You're a false alarm!""

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