false dawn

noun

1. zodiacal light occurring before sunrise.

false dawn

noun

1. zodiacal light appearing just before sunrise

Word History and Origins

Origin of false dawn¹

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

"We are running out of opportunities to address the past and we cannot afford another false dawn."

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Trading land taken by Israel in 1967 for peace with Palestinians who wanted it for a state was at the heart of the Oslo peace process that ended in violence but provided a false dawn of hope in the 1990s.

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But Arsenal's upcoming visit to Old Trafford and the 37 Premier Leagues games afterwards will decide whether the progress is real or if pre-season 2025 was just another false dawn.

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And once again, Palestinians in Gaza and the families of Israeli hostages still held there are fervently hoping this will not be another false dawn.

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"The government must do far more to hold all involved immediately accountable to ensure these do not represent a false dawn, and to better safeguard both the public purse and the public itself."

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