'False Alarm' Meaning and Example Sentences

The idiom "false alarm" is a phrase used to describe a situation where an alarm or warning is sounded, but there is no actual danger or emergency present. It is usually used as a noun phrase, but can also be used as an adjective phrase (e.g. "false alarm signal").

The origin of the phrase is believed to come from the use of alarm systems in buildings or homes, where a false alarm would occur when the alarm was triggered by something other than a real emergency or danger. This phrase has been used since the early 20th century.

"false alarm" meaning and sample sentences

The phrase can be used in a variety of contexts, but is commonly used to describe a situation where someone mistakenly believes there is danger or emergency present, when in fact there is not. It can also be used in a more general sense to describe any situation where something is thought to be true or happening, but turns out to be false.

It's important to note that the idiom false alarm has a negative connotation. It implies a sense of disappointment, wasted energy, and possibly even frustration. As such, it's mostly used in situations where it's clear that no real danger was present, or it was clear that the alarm was not real.

Here are ten examples of sentences using the idiom "false alarm":

I thought I heard someone break in, but it was just a false alarm.
The tornado warning turned out to be a false alarm, thankfully.
The stock market crash prediction was a false alarm, and the market is still going strong.
I was so scared when the fire alarm went off, but it was just a false alarm.
The earthquake warning was a false alarm, it was just a small tremor.
I thought I was going to lose my job, but it was just a false alarm.
The burglar alarm went off, but it was just a false alarm caused by a cat.
I was relieved when the doctor told me the test results were a false alarm.
The bomb threat was a false alarm, and the school was able to resume normal activities.
I got really worried when I saw the storm clouds, but it was just a false alarm and the sun came out.

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