False pretenses refers to a situation where someone deliberately presents misleading or deceptive information with the intention of tricking others into believing something that is untrue. It involves the use of lies, misrepresentation, or fraudulent claims to achieve a particular goal, such as gaining money, property, or trust under dishonest circumstances. This can occur in both personal and business contexts and is often associated with criminal acts like fraud. The term “false pretenses” is often used in legal settings to describe deceptive actions that result in harm or financial loss for the victim.
Ten Sentences Using “False Pretenses”
- The man was arrested for obtaining money under false pretenses after he convinced several investors that he was launching a successful business.
- She had been living under false pretenses for years, pretending to be someone she wasn’t to gain the trust of her friends.
- The scammer tricked the elderly couple into handing over their savings by promising a lucrative return on investment under false pretenses.
- He was found guilty of obtaining a loan under false pretenses, using fake documents to secure the funds.
- False pretenses were used to manipulate people into signing contracts they didn’t fully understand.
- The company was sued for conducting business under false pretenses, making exaggerated claims about the effectiveness of their product.
- When you operate under false pretenses, you risk losing credibility and trust, even if the deception is uncovered years later.
- The investigation revealed that the suspect had obtained goods under false pretenses by claiming to be a charity organization.
- He was accused of marrying her under false pretenses, pretending to be wealthy when he was actually broke.
- False pretenses often lead to legal consequences, especially when the victim suffers financial or emotional harm.
Synonyms for “False Pretenses”
- Deception
- Fraud
- Misrepresentation
- False claims
- Dishonesty
- Trickery
- Falsification
- Subterfuge
- Fraudulent behavior
- Falsehoods
Antonyms for “False Pretenses”
- Truth
- Authenticity
- Honesty
- Transparency
- Integrity
- Sincerity
- Genuine intentions
- Credibility
- Accuracy
- Real facts
Phrasal Verbs for “False Pretenses”
- Pass off as (to deceive others into believing something false)
- Take in (to deceive or trick someone into believing a lie or false pretenses)
- Put on (to adopt a false appearance or behavior, often as part of false pretenses)
- Pretend to be (to falsely claim to be someone or something else)
- Lead on (to deceive someone into believing something that isn’t true, often under false pretenses)
Idiomatic Expressions for “False Pretenses”
- Pull the wool over someone’s eyes: To deceive someone or hide the truth from them, often under false pretenses.
- Put up a front: To create a false appearance or persona, misleading others about one’s true intentions.
- Sell a bill of goods: To deceive someone by offering something under false pretenses or with fraudulent claims.
- Pull a fast one: To deceive or trick someone, often with the intention of gaining something under false pretenses.
- Lead someone up the garden path: To deceive or mislead someone into believing something untrue, often for personal gain.