A red herring Meaning in English
expression
التعريف
A fact, clue, or idea that distracts attention from the important issue or leads people in the wrong direction, especially in mysteries or arguments.
الاستخدام والفروق الدقيقة
Idiom, informal or neutral. Often used when discussing mysteries (e.g., detective stories), arguments, or debates. Can describe intentional or accidental distractions. Not literal; don't use for actual fish.
جمل نموذجية
The strange phone call was a red herring in the story.
basic
The detective realized the clue was just a red herring.
basic
His comments turned out to be a red herring to confuse us.
basic
I think that weird news story is just a red herring. Don’t get distracted by it.
natural
There were a few red herrings in the movie to make the ending a surprise.
natural
Politicians often use a red herring to avoid tough questions.
natural