Red herring - English meaning

idiom

Something intended to distract attention from the main issue

noun

A dried smoked herring, which is turned red by the smoke.

Usage examples:

In the next few decades these kippers almost completely took over the market from the old salty red…

noun

A clue or piece of information that is, or is intended to be, misleading or distracting.

Usage examples:

The book is fast-paced, exciting, and full of red herrings

noun

Something that takes attention away from a more important subject

Usage examples:

Racism was not a factor in the case – that was a red herring thrown in by the defense lawyers.