Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
red herring
noun
/ˈrɛd ˈhɛr.ɪŋ/
Definition
A clue or piece of information which is or is intended to be misleading or distracting.
Examples
- The investigator dismissed the suspect’s alibi as a red herring meant to confuse the case.
- In a mystery novel, the author skillfully used red herrings to keep readers guessing until the end.
Meaning
Red herring is commonly used to refer to something that diverts attention away from the main issue or topic. It can be a tactic used in discussions, arguments, or storytelling.
Synonyms
- distraction
- misleading clue
- smoke screen
- diversion
