Dictionary
under false pretences
if someone does something under false pretences, they lie about who they are, what they are doing, or what they intend to do, in order to get something
They're taking money under false pretences by pretending that these people have got what it takes to be models.
American English
- under false pretenses
Phrase Bank
- The agreement was entered into under false pretences.
- She was charged with obtaining property under false pretences.
- They were lured to the meeting under false pretences.
- The war was started under false pretences.