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False Alarm

What Does "False Alarm" Mean?

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"False alarm" is an English idiom. It means "a warning or signal that turns out to be incorrect or unwarranted."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "false alarm" used in a sentence:
  • The school was evacuated, but it turned out to be a false alarm.
  • I thought I lost my wallet, but it was just a false alarm.
  • The fire alarm went off, but it was only a false alarm.
meaning for false alarm

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "False Alarm" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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