case of mistaken identity

a case of mistaken identity

An instance in which one is thought or assumed to be someone else. Officer, this is a case of mistaken identity—I can assure you that I did not rob anyone!
See also: case, identity, mistaken, of
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

case of mistaken identity

the incorrect identification of someone. I am not the criminal you want to arrest. This is a case of mistaken identity.
See also: case, identity, mistaken, of
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • identity
  • mistaken
  • a case of mistaken identity
  • not be lost on (someone)
  • give ear to (someone or something)
  • set (one) at (one's) ease
  • put (one) at (one's) ease
  • put one at ease
  • put/set somebody at ease
  • a false alarm
References in classic literature
"He told me only a week or two ago that he thinks he knows why his brother was taken--that it was a case of mistaken identity. He was not so sure about it until von Goss was killed, apparently by the same creature, the night the lion entered the trenches.
The arrest turned out to be a case of mistaken identity after a Chinese man confessed to the crime.
Ogechi claimed that his was a case of mistaken identity. Both witnesses acknowledged that they were not sure that of the identity of the accused since it was a March 11, 2015, matter.
Girl killed in 'mistaken identity' shooting in Tondo !-- -- Marc Jayson Cayabyab (The Philippine Star) - April 11, 2019 - 12:00am MANILA, Philippines A 17-year-old girl was killed in what her relatives believe was a case of mistaken identity in Tondo, Manila on Sunday.
THE PSNI is investigating the possibility murder victim Wayne Boylan was executed in a case of mistaken identity.
John McGrath, 27, who was formally found not guilty, said he had been arrested in a case of mistaken identity.
Police on Tuesday were still in the dark over the murder of a 33-year-old man in Ayia Napa on Thursday night, as his family suggested it could have been a case of mistaken identity.
A 16-YEAR-OLD boy was threatened with a gun in a "terrifying" case of mistaken identity in Skelmersdale.
DS Colin Filby fromSkelmersdale CIDsaid: "We think this was a case of mistaken identity. The victim wasn't harmed but is understandably shaken by his terrifying ordeal.
Continue reading "On Twitter, a Case of Mistaken Identity Hurls an Israeli Reporter Into American Political Controversy" at...
Unfortunately, it's a case of mistaken identity but in order to avoid a media maelstrom Christine is forced to lie.
Detective Sergeant Keith Philip said: "We believe this incident was a case of mistaken identity and are working to trace the person responsible as well as the intended targets."
Menesis said the shooting may have been a case of mistaken identity and the target may be his wife, Albuera Mayor Rosa Menesis, since both women had the same blue Kia Picanto with a temporary plate number.
While he remains absent from the Square, his demise in hospital was a case of mistaken identity and it is poor Paul who has been killed.
Pulis, who saw defender Gareth McAuley sent off in the defeat at Manchester City yesterday in a case of mistaken identity, has been using Chris Brunt at left-back since he arrived at the Hawthorns.