false alarm

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.

false alarm

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of false alarm¹

First recorded in 1570–80

Idioms and Phrases

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.

Example Sentences

Last year, Voice of San Diego reviewed dispatch records and found evidence that false alarms were more common than the company’s marketing materials show.

From Voice of San Diego

This flawed technology threatens civil liberties and public safety, generating false alarms that have ended in escalating violence between police and community members.

From Voice of San Diego

In fact, if you tested everyone in the US tomorrow with over-the-counter tests, the large majority of positive results—maybe nine out of 10—would be false alarms.

From MIT Technology Review

One reason is that owing to a history of false alarms about tornado warnings, some people didn’t take shelter.

From Science News For Students

Last year, however, a Voice of San Diego review of dispatch records suggested that false alarms were more common than advertised.

From Voice of San Diego

And with each false alarm, the not-so-subtle panic continues, as Europe waits and wonders what happens next.

From The Daily Beast

The first time alarms sounded, contestants were told it was a false alarm, and reassured with a small party.

From The Daily Beast

It may be a glimmer of hope, or it may be another false alarm.

From The Daily Beast

One comedic false alarm was provided by local deejay Gary Kiernan and his wife, Sandy, masquerading as the former first couple.

From The Daily Beast

And, at double quick, the Guard rushed back to find it a false alarm and to see men laughing at them in the street.

From Project Gutenberg

Like Robison and Barruel, we are accused of raising a false alarm, of creating a bogey, or of being the victims of an obsession.

From Project Gutenberg

On Monday night about ten o'clock the army was put in motion by a false alarm.

From Project Gutenberg

The design was not carried into execution during the summer, and the intelligence was considered as a false alarm.

From Project Gutenberg

He lay down again once more, thinking that for once his steed had given a false alarm.

From Project Gutenberg