気きを持もたせる

expression, ichidan verb

lead someone on; raise someone's hopes; give someone false expectations

Used when someone's words or actions make another person expect something (often romantic interest or a favorable outcome) that may not be fulfilled. Often carries a negative nuance of being misleading or unfair.

• 彼かれは彼かの女じょに気きを持もたせるようなことを言いった。

  He said things that led her on.

• そんな返へん事じをすると相あい手てに気きを持もたせることになるよ。

  If you answer like that, you'll raise the other person's hopes.