smoke and mirrors


noun

(used with a singular or plural verb) something that distorts or blurs facts, figures, etc., like a magic or conjuring trick; artful deception.

Origin of smoke and mirrors

First recorded in 1980–85

Words nearby smoke and mirrors

British Dictionary definitions for smoke and mirrors

smoke and mirrors

noun

irrelevant or misleading information serving to obscure the truth of a situation

Word Origin for smoke and mirrors

C20: reference to the use of smoke and mirrors in conjuring illusions