The idiom "red herring" refers to a misleading clue or distraction that is intentionally used to divert attention away from the actual issue or topic at hand.
The origin of this phrase comes from the practice of using a smoked, salted herring fish with a red color to distract hunting dogs from their intended prey. The strong scent of the fish would lead the dogs off track, and the hunters could then catch their intended prey without interference.
In modern times, the term "red herring" is used to describe any false lead or distraction that is used to misdirect attention from the actual issue. For example, a politician might use a red herring to avoid answering a difficult question by bringing up an unrelated topic.
In everyday conversations, you might hear someone say, "Don't let that red herring distract you from the real issue." This means that you should stay focused on the important matter at hand and not be misled by a false lead or distraction.
• The politician's statement was filled with red herrings to distract from the real issues at hand. (mastery level sentence about political rhetoric)
• The conspiracy theorist claimed that the government's explanation was just a red herring to cover up the truth. (upper-intermediate level sentence about government cover-ups)
• She always talks about her ex-boyfriend as a red herring to avoid answering personal questions. (intermediate level sentence about avoiding personal questions)
• The suspect's alibi turned out to be a red herring when his DNA was found at the crime scene. (advanced level sentence about criminal investigations)
• I don't believe that the cake is missing because I saw a red herring on the floor. (beginner level sentence about a missing cake)
• The author used a red herring to mislead the readers into thinking the killer was someone else. (expert level sentence about writing techniques)