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Red herring: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Red herring phrase. Something that draws attention away from the real question, sometimes on purpose.
How to say it
red HERR-ing/ˌrɛd ˈhɛrɪŋ/
3 syllables, stressed on the second (HERR).
Red herring in a sentence
The missing umbrella turned out to be a red herring; the butler was innocent.
Talk about the logo is a red herring; the real problem is the price.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- distraction
- diversion
- decoy
- smokescreen
Where red herring comes from
From strong-smelling smoked herring, said to have been dragged across a trail to train or mislead hounds.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
Talk about the logo is a _____; the real problem is the price.
- beg the question
- ipse dixit
- red herring
Show the answer
red herring: Talk about the logo is a red herring; the real problem is the price.