Give false hope to NYT

The crossword clue "Give false hope to" with the answer "LEADON" refers to the act of misleading someone by making them believe something untrue or unlikely, often with the intention of keeping them hopeful about a situation that is unlikely to occur.

The phrase "lead on" captures this concept perfectly, as it implies leading someone into a situation under false pretenses or giving them the impression that something favorable will happen when, in reality, it may not. In a broader sense, "lead on" can also suggest manipulation, where someone is kept in suspense or uncertainty with the promise of a positive outcome that is unlikely to be fulfilled.

The crossword clue "Give false hope to" with the answer "DELUDE" refers to misleading or deceiving someone by presenting an unrealistic or false expectation. To "delude" means to cause someone to believe something that is not true, thus giving them a false sense of hope or optimism.

This term often implies a deliberate effort to mislead or deceive, creating an illusion that may not align with reality. In the context of the clue, "delude" captures the essence of providing false hope by making someone believe in an outcome that is unlikely or unrealistic.

The crossword clue "Give false hope to" with the answer "DECEIVE" refers to the act of misleading or tricking someone by causing them to believe something that is not true. To "deceive" means to cause someone to be misled or deluded, often by providing false information or creating a false impression.

This deception can lead someone to have unrealistic or false hopes about a situation, expecting something that is unlikely to happen. In essence, when you deceive someone, you create a false sense of optimism or expectation that can lead to disappointment once the truth is revealed.

The crossword clue "Give false hope to" with the answer "MISLEAD" refers to the act of guiding someone in the wrong direction, either intentionally or unintentionally. To "mislead" means to provide false or incorrect information that causes someone to form mistaken beliefs or expectations.

When you mislead someone, you are essentially steering them away from the truth, which can result in them having unrealistic hopes or expectations about a situation. This misleading guidance creates an illusion that can lead to eventual disappointment or disillusionment when the reality does not align with the false impressions they were given.