set off a false alarm

1. To accidentally trigger an alarm. OK, folks, I just got word that somebody set off a false alarm, probably by using the emergency door in the back. Nothing to worry about.

2. To mistake a benign situation for an emergency. A doll set off a false alarm for local shoppers today, who thought that a baby had been left locked in a car in the grocery store parking lot in 95° heat.

See also: alarm, false, off, set

See also:

raise the alarm
sound the alarm
upset
I don't want to alarm you, but
a false alarm
false alarm
five
get on up
frighten the pants off (of) (one)
chuck (something) in (to something)

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