by/on/under false pretences

by false pretenses

By or under a false impression created through intentional misrepresentation. I'm afraid you were brought here by false pretenses. I'm not your long-lost brother. You may not have lied directly, but you sold him those paintings by false pretenses—he thinks they're originals!

See also: by, false, pretense

on false pretenses

By or under a false impression created through intentional misrepresentation. I'm afraid you were brought here on false pretenses. I'm not your long-lost brother. You may not have lied directly, but you sold him those paintings on false pretenses—he thinks they're originals!

See also: false, on, pretense

under false pretenses

With a false impression created through intentional misrepresentation. I'm afraid you were brought here under false pretenses. I'm not your long-lost brother. You may not have lied directly, but you sold him those paintings under false pretenses—he thinks they're originals!

See also: false, pretense

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

by/on/under false preˈtences

(British English) (American English by/on/under false ˈpretenses) by lying about your identity, qualifications, financial or social position, etc: She was sent to prison for six months for obtaining money under false pretences. ♢ He got me there under false pretences. He told me he wanted to discuss a business deal, but when I got there, it was a surprise birthday party.

See also: by, false, on, pretence

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017