false pretenses

American  

plural noun

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

2. the use of such misrepresentation.

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Etymology

Origin of false pretenses

First recorded in 1750–60

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, Lori, a young Black woman hired under false pretenses as an assistant, stares mutely.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

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

From Salon • Apr. 11, 2025

Analysts say those ships often transfer their oil to other ships, that then sell the crude oil under false pretenses.

From Washington Times • Jul. 12, 2023

Motif said in one of the filings that Impossible's use of "false pretenses" to gain information was "alarming" and "unethical."

From Reuters • May 25, 2023

And yet he felt guilty, knowing that he was accepting the kid’s admiration under false pretenses, that he wasn’t cool at all, not at all.

From "The Chocolate War" by Robert Cormier