false pretenses

plural noun

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

2. the use of such misrepresentation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of false pretenses¹

First recorded in 1750–60

Example Sentences

On Aug. 20, Carrasco-Ramirez was arrested and booked into the Cois M. Byrd Detention Center in the French Valley on suspicion of grand theft, theft by false pretenses and passing counterfeit checks.

From Los Angeles Times

“The Authority’s apparent repeated use of misleading ridership projections, despite longstanding warnings from experts, raises serious questions about whether funds were allocated under false pretenses,” Comer wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

She could use some time alone, and Glenn could use a forced change of scenery — even if it’s under false pretenses.

From Salon

“Not every spy is to your flavor of monogamy,” Kathryn tells George when he organizes a dinner party to begin sniffing out the mole under false pretenses.

From Salon

Combine that with more grounded transgressions like infidelity, indoctrination, neglect and stalking, and we are under no false pretenses that these are “good” people in any conventional sense.

From Salon