false alarm

== English == === Pronunciation === === Noun === false alarm (plural false alarms) (literal) 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. (idiomatic, by extension) A thing or occurrence which initially causes fear, distress, etc. but which is subsequently recognized as being no cause for concern. (archaic, idiomatic) 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. Antonym: real deal ==== Translations ==== ==== See also ==== false positive === Further reading === “false alarm”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.