smokescreen
Definition
Noun: 1. A deceptive action or statement intended to conceal one's true motives or activities: An action or a set of statements designed to hide the real nature of a plan or to distract attention from something embarrassing or problematic. 2. A military tactic using smoke to obscure visibility: A cloud of smoke released to hide military movements or positions from an enemy.
Usage and Examples
To conceal true intentions or failures:
- The politician's passionate speech about reform was merely a smokescreen to distract from the corruption scandal.
- The company's announcement of a new product launch was a smokescreen to hide its massive financial losses.
In a military or literal context:
- The troops advanced under cover of a thick smokescreen.
- The navy deployed a smokescreen to conceal the fleet's retreat.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
Figurative Use: Almost always used figuratively in everyday language to describe any deceptive distraction.
- His constant complaints about minor details are just a smokescreen; he doesn't want to address the main issue.
As part of a strategy: Often implies a deliberate, calculated plan to mislead.
- The negotiations were a smokescreen for their real goal, which was to buy time.
Variants and Related Words
- Smoke screen (noun): An alternative spelling of the same word.
- Screen (noun/verb): Can refer to something that conceals or protects.
- Diversion (noun): Something that turns attention away from something else.
- Pretext (noun): A false reason given to conceal a real motive.
Synonyms
- Blind: Something used to deceive or mislead.
- Cover-up: An attempt to prevent the discovery of a mistake or crime.
- Facade: A deceptive outward appearance.
- Camouflage: Disguise or concealment, often in a military context.
- Subterfuge: Deceit used to achieve one's goal.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- To hide behind a smokescreen: To use deceptive tactics to avoid dealing with something directly.
- The CEO is hiding behind a smokescreen of corporate jargon instead of giving clear answers.
- To be nothing but a smokescreen: To be entirely deceptive with no substance.
- Their promise to investigate was nothing but a smokescreen.
Noun
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an action intended to conceal or confuse or obscure
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requesting new powers of surveillance is just a smokescreen to hide their failures
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-
(military) screen consisting of a cloud of smoke that obscures movements
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