sound/strike a false note

sound a false note

To indicate or give the impression that something is wrong, disingenuous, or deceitful. I know she apologized, but it sounded a false note with me—I don't believe she meant what she said.

See also: false, note, sound

strike a false note

To indicate or give the impression that something is wrong, disingenuous, or deceitful. I know she apologized, but it struck a false note with me—I don't believe she meant what she said.

See also: false, note, strike

sound/strike a false ˈnote

seem wrong, not appropriate, etc. in a certain situation: I really thought his speech at the conference struck a false note. Instead of saying how serious the housing situation was, he was telling jokes about it.

See also: false, note, sound, strike