Meaning of false note | Babel Free

Definitions

1. An incorrect note which is sung or played in a musical performance.
2. Of a remark or narrative, an indication (as discerned by the listener or reader) of untruth, insincerity, or inconsistency.
   broadly, idiomatic
3. Of a non-verbal display or presentation, an indication of incongruity or inappropriateness.
   broadly, idiomatic

Examples

“Sometimes he even thrums a little on the piano, and takes a part in a trio, in which his voice can generally be distinguished by a certain quavering tone, and an occasional false note.”

“Her fingers wavered on the piano—she struck a false note, confused herself in trying to set it right, and dropped her hands angrily on her lap.”

“[H]is words were grave, his manner was earnest, and his speech came from the fulness of his heart. If there had been a false note, a false look, Harry would have detected both, […]”

“The screenplay . . . even suggests that this contributed to the false note on which The African Queen actually ends.”

“Shreve creates a little world, peoples it with believable characters, and puts them through agonizing and joyful moments without a false note or a dissonant figure of speech.”

“The only false note in an otherwise classic and elegant collection was the gratuitous flash of black fishnet stockings and suspenders under otherwise unremarkable paisley and floral shirts.”

CEFR level