in a false light

1. In a manner or way that creates an inaccurate, untrue, or misleading point of view. The incumbent senator contends that her opponent has painted her in a false light with misleading claims about her voting record. Anyone who boasts about their own bravery like that is probably presenting themselves in a false light. I know that deep down the CEO is an insecure coward, but he has always presents himself in a false light as the company's fearless leader.

2. In law, in an unwanted or unsolicited position of public perception that, while technically not false, is misleading and causes emotional or mental distress. A: "The way they worded that headline makes her sound like a monster who prioritized her lifestyle over the well-being of her children, and the public thinks it's completely true! She's absolutely devastated." B: "She should have her lawyer charge the publication with putting her in a false light." As her disgruntled ex-husband, he would certainly have a reason to reveal embarrassing information and paint her in a false light. Of course I'm going to sue her for putting me in a false light—she completely destroyed my reputation!