false dawn

American  

noun

1. zodiacal light occurring before sunrise.

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false dawn British  

noun

1. zodiacal light appearing just before sunrise

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Etymology

Origin of false dawn

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

A rare first-round pick spent on Mac Jones in 2021 proved a false dawn as the Pats made the play-offs but were thrashed by Josh Allen's Buffalo.

From BBC

But it looks like that tentative rebound was another false dawn for the cryptocurrencies.

From Barron's

But it looks like that tentative rebound was another false dawn for the cryptocurrencies.

From Barron's

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

From BBC

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.

From BBC