sound/strike a note

sound a (kind of) note

Of speech, to have or communicate a certain kind of tone or attitude. The president sounded an beleaguered note in his address to congress, as he tried to convince them to vote for the healthcare bill he is backing. The manager sounded a rather insincere note as he expressed his sorrow at the round of layoffs.See also: note, sound

strike (or sound) a — note

express a feeling or view of a particular kind. 2000 Times John McCain …was expected to strike a hawkish note last night, calling for the upgrading of the Armed Forces. See also: note, strike

sound/strike a ˈnote (of ˈsth)

express feelings or opinions of a particular kind: She sounded a note of warning in her speech.See also: note, sound, strike