Strike a false note Meaning in English
expression
ˈstɹaɪk/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈfɔɫs/ /ˈnoʊt
STRYK uh FAWLS NOHT
stɹˈaɪk/ /æɪ/ /fˈɒls/ /nˈəʊt
STRYK uh FOLS NOHT
Definition
To do or say something that seems wrong, inappropriate, or out of place in a situation.
Usage & Nuances
A figurative, slightly formal expression. Often used about words or behavior that stand out as awkward. Similar to 'strike the wrong note'. Used for both social and written situations.
Spanish: desentonar - causar mala impresiónPortuguese (BR): soar falso - parecer inadequadoPortuguese (PT): soar falso - parecer inadequadoChinese (Simplified): 显得不合适 - 说错话Chinese (Traditional): 顯得不合適 - 說錯話Hindi: ग़लत प्रभाव डालना - अनुपयुक्त लगनाArabic: يبدو غير مناسب - يثير انطباعًا سيئًاBengali: একটু বেখাপ্পা লাগা - অনুপযুক্ত কিছু বলা/করাRussian: не к месту - неуместно звучатьJapanese: 違和感を与える - 場違いなことをする/言うVietnamese: lạc tông - nói/làm điều không phù hợpKorean: 어울리지 않다 - 분위기를 깨다Turkish: uygunsuz bir izlenim bırakmak - yanlış bir izlenim yaratmakUrdu: نامناسب محسوس ہونا - بےوقت بات کرناIndonesian: terasa janggal - tidak sesuai suasana
Example Sentences
He tried to make a joke but struck a false note at the meeting.
basic
Her comment about money struck a false note during the celebration.
basic
The speech was good, but the ending struck a false note.
basic
Everyone was enjoying themselves until his comment struck a false note.
natural
Her laughter at the serious moment really struck a false note.
natural
If you wear jeans to a wedding, it might strike a false note.
natural