smoke and mirrors

American  

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.

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smoke and mirrors British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of smoke and mirrors

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

“Smoke and mirrors, house of cards, silly investors—what do you want me to tell you?” asks Ishbia.

From Barron's

“Smoke and mirrors, house of cards, silly investors—what do you want me to tell you?” asks Ishbia.

From Barron's

In her first life and second, she had become so accustomed to people looking at her without really seeing her, their gaze never cutting through all her smoke and mirrors, the protections that being an actress, and then an Estrie, provided.

From Literature

But Elaine Wrigley, the owner of Atlas Bar in Manchester, said Reeves' latest Budget was "smoke and mirrors".

From BBC

It’s all smoke and mirrors, sure, but there’s a certain comfort in a life after death where Patrick Swayze can still spin pottery!

From Salon