smokescreen

Thân thiện

The military deployed a smokescreen to conceal their advance.

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.

Học thuật

Noun

1. an action intended to conceal or confuse or obscure
   • requesting new powers of surveillance is just a smokescreen to hide their failures
2. (military) screen consisting of a cloud of smoke that obscures movements

Từ đồng nghĩa

• smoke screen