smoke and mirrors
smoke and mirrors (idiom)
/smoʊk ənd ˈmɪrɚz/
Meaning
- Irrelevant or misleading details intended to obscure the truth of a situation.
- Something designed to disguise or divert attention from an often embarrassing or unpleasant issue.
- Information that misleads or confuses, akin to a magician’s trick; artful deception.
- A deceptive, fraudulent, or unconvincing explanation or description.
Example Sentences
- The politician’s speech was just smoke and mirrors to distract from the real issues.
- Their new business model looks impressive, but it’s mostly smoke and mirrors without real profits.
- The magician’s act was all smoke and mirrors, hiding simple tricks behind flashy effects.
- Investors realized too late that the startup’s success was smoke and mirrors hiding financial trouble.
- The CEO’s promises were nothing but smoke and mirrors to calm worried employees.
Origin and History
Magical Origins
The literal use of smoke and mirrors dates back to the 18th century, notably employed by the German charlatan Johann Georg Schröpfer around 1770. Schröpfer used smoke and concealed lanterns to project images onto clouds of smoke, creating the illusion of ghostly apparitions. This technique became a staple in 19th-century phantasmagoria shows, where hidden projectors and mirrors cast images into smoke, captivating audiences with seemingly supernatural visuals.
Early Metaphorical Uses
The metaphorical use of “smoke” to denote obscurity or deception predates the specific phrase “smoke and mirrors.” In 1578, English theologian Thomas Cooper described obscure speech as “to cast a darke smoke or mist before their eyes,” indicating the longstanding association of smoke with obfuscation.
Introduction into Political Discourse
The transition of “smoke and mirrors” into political jargon is credited to American journalist Jimmy Breslin. In his 1975 book, How the Good Guys Finally Won: Notes from an Impeachment Summer, Breslin reflected on political power dynamics during the Watergate scandal. He wrote:
“All political power is primarily an illusion… Mirrors and blue smoke, beautiful blue smoke rolling over the surface of highly polished mirrors…”
While Breslin used “mirrors and blue smoke,” the phrase was soon inverted and popularized as “smoke and mirrors.”
Earliest Printed Records
Following Breslin’s usage, the phrase gained traction in the media. The Lowell Sun referenced Breslin’s imagery in June 1975:
“Jimmy Breslin alluded to… blue smoke and mirrors in his recently published book on an impeachment summer.”
By 1976, the exact phrase “smoke and mirrors” appeared in political commentary. Senator J. Bennett Johnston criticized a legislative proposal, stating:
“Johnston said he hopes there is ‘substance in this proposal—not just smoke and mirrors. But the evidence of hypocrisy is strong.'”
Evolution and Contemporary Usage
Since its inception, “smoke and mirrors” has become a staple in describing deceptive tactics across various fields, particularly in politics and media. Its origin in magical illusions aptly conveys the concept of misleading appearances designed to obscure reality.
Synonyms
- a smokescreen
- a red herring
- sleight of hand
- a cover-up
- bait and switch
Variants
- mirrors and smoke
- blue smoke and mirrors
- all smoke and no fire
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