false alarm

Definitions

1. 1

   A warning signal (such as the call of sentry, the ringing of a bell, or the shriek of a…

   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."
   • Pistorius explained that a security alarm in his house had gone off the previous night, and that he had taken a gun downstairs to investigate what turned out to be a false alarm.
2. 2

   A thing or occurrence which initially causes fear, distress, etc. but which is…

   A thing or occurrence which initially causes fear, distress, etc. but which is subsequently recognized as being no cause for concern.

   • "This may be a false alarm, or a forged letter," said De Bracy.
   • Cuthbert had often been summoned to her dying bed, only to find that she was alive and well. He expected that this summons would be another false alarm.
3. 3

   A person who pretends to be more accomplished or a thing that seems to be of higher…

   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.

   • "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!"
   • "He's an old false alarm, anyway. I'll bet he never heard a real gun go off!"

The neighborhood

• neighborfalse positive