strike a false note: meaning & examples

Meanings:

• 1.

  USUKGlobalneutral
  • To play an incorrect musical note.

  Examples

  Beta

  • The pianist accidentally struck a false note during the concert, creating an awkward pause.

    El pianista tocó accidentalmente una nota falsa durante el concierto, creando una pausa incómoda.

  • You must practice carefully so you don't strike a false note when performing the piece.

    Debes practicar con cuidado para no tocar una nota falsa al interpretar la pieza.

  • He struck a false note on the violin yesterday, but quickly recovered and continued playing beautifully.

    Ayer tocó una nota falsa en el violín, pero se recuperó rápidamente y continuó tocando maravillosamente.

  • If the choir strikes a false note, the conductor will stop the rehearsal immediately.

    Si el coro toca una nota falsa, el director detendrá el ensayo de inmediato.

• 2.

  USUKGlobalformalneutral
  • To do or say something that is inappropriate, discordant, or out of harmony with the surrounding circumstances, thereby undermining the intended effect.
  • To introduce an element that jars, offends, or diminishes the overall tone or message.

  Examples

  Beta

  • His joke about the serious situation struck a false note and made everyone uncomfortable.

    Su broma sobre la situación seria tocó una nota discordante y puso incómodos a todos.

  • When she complimented the team but ignored their hard work, it struck a false note with the players.

    Cuando elogió al equipo pero ignoró su arduo trabajo, eso tocó una nota discordante con los jugadores.

  • They struck a false note in the negotiations by demanding too much too soon.

    Tocaron una nota discordante en las negociaciones al exigir demasiado demasiado pronto.