by false pretenses

by false pretenses

By or under a false impression created through intentional misrepresentation. I'm afraid you were brought here by false pretenses. I'm not your long-lost brother. You may not have lied directly, but you sold him those paintings by false pretenses—he thinks they're originals!See also: by, false, pretense

by/on/under false preˈtences

(British English) (American English by/on/under false ˈpretenses) by lying about your identity, qualifications, financial or social position, etc: She was sent to prison for six months for obtaining money under false pretences. ♢ He got me there under false pretences. He told me he wanted to discuss a business deal, but when I got there, it was a surprise birthday party.See also: by, false, on, pretence