smoke and mirrors

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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.

Origin of smoke and mirrors

1
First recorded in 1980–85

Words Nearby smoke and mirrors

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British Dictionary definitions for smoke and mirrors

smoke and mirrors

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

Origin of smoke and mirrors

1
C20: reference to the use of smoke and mirrors in conjuring illusions

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012