false pretenses

American  

plural noun

1. a deliberate misrepresentation of facts, as to obtain title to money or property.

2. the use of such misrepresentation.

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Etymology

Origin of false pretenses

First recorded in 1750–60

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, Lori, a young Black woman hired under false pretenses as an assistant, stares mutely.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

But those relationships were based on false pretenses.

From Salon • Sep. 26, 2023

Analysts say those ships often transfer their oil to other ships, that then sell the crude oil under false pretenses.

From Washington Times • Jul. 12, 2023

Motif said in one of the filings that Impossible's use of "false pretenses" to gain information was "alarming" and "unethical."

From Reuters • May 25, 2023

She had no compunctions about the lie and getting the doll under false pretenses.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith