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

Equivalents

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