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.
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.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
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.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017