lead to believe

lead (one) to believe

To cause one to believe something, especially if it is untrue. The sales agent led me to believe I would continue paying the lower price if I signed up for the TV service, but when I got my first bill I learned that wasn't the case. He led us to believe he had a graduate degree in economics. Turns out he didn't even graduate from high school.
See also: believe, lead
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

lead someone to believe something

Fig. to imply something to someone; to cause someone to believe something untrue. But you led me to believe that this watch was guaranteed! Did you lead her to believe that she was hired as a clerk?
See also: believe, lead
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • lead (one) to believe
  • lead somebody to believe
  • give (one) to believe
  • give somebody to believe/understand...
  • believe (one's) ears
  • believe ears
  • believe one's ears
  • stuff (one's) head full of (something)
  • stuff (one's) head with (something)
  • stuff head with
References in periodicals archive
In fact, papers now reveal she was not as hard done by as we were lead to believe. Despite government reassurances that neither her personal life nor income would have been sacrificed had she married the man she loved, she was the one to walk away.
Sue Carroll Column: Princess Margaret
I am lead to believe the Aussies will bring over the strongest side they have available but the proposed captain Brad Fittler will not be one of them having decided to retire from international football.
Tour visit never in any doubt; IAN MILLWARD - Saints coach's hard-hitting world of Rugby League