View synonyms for

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.

smoke and mirrors

noun

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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of smoke and mirrors¹

First recorded in 1980–85

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Word History and Origins

Origin of smoke and mirrors¹

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

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Whether where is any truth to all the noise, or if it's just smoke and mirrors and the usual pre-fight hype, remains to be seen.

From

Mr Humphrey accused the council of "smoke and mirrors", over a forecast deficit of £1m at the school over three years.

From

Smoke and mirrors, a fiscal fudge and a masterclass in creative public accounting?

From

Ultimately, Thomas’ questions on Wednesday functioned as smoke and mirrors, a feeble effort to absolve the alleged constitutional violation in this case by depicting prosecutors as victims of a witch hunt.

From

Even after removal of all the smoke and mirrors, though, reports of terrifying hauntings continue to this day.

From

smoke smoke bomb

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