smoke and mirrors

noun

1. (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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of smoke and mirrors¹

First recorded in 1980–85

Word History and Origins

Origin of smoke and mirrors¹

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