false alarm

American  

noun

1. a false report of a fire in progress to a fire department.

2. something that excites unfounded alarm or expectation.

   Rumors of an impending transit strike proved to be a false alarm.

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false alarm British  

noun

1. a needless alarm given in error or with intent to deceive

2. an occasion on which danger is perceived but fails to materialize

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false alarm Idioms  

1. A warning signal that is groundless, made either by mistake or as a deliberate deception. For example, The rumor that we were all going to get fired was just a false alarm, or Setting off a false alarm is a criminal offense. This expression, first recorded in 1579, today is often used for a report of a nonexistent fire.

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Etymology

Origin of false alarm

First recorded in 1570–80

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

false alarm

As Salon reported at the time, experts said was a false alarm.

From Salon ● Sep. 14, 2026

Still, that false alarm cost them about $160.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 5, 2026

After another false alarm that the case had been found, Rosie's husband Chris says he began emailing Ryanair "twice a week for months" in the hope of an update.

From BBC ● Mar. 11, 2026

Historical records reveal there were several close calls in the early ’80s, including the 1983 Soviet nuclear false alarm that could have triggered a nuclear war.

From Slate ● Feb. 2, 2026

Absurdly, I found myself hoping it was a false alarm.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

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