smoke and mirrors

plural noun

: something intended to disguise or draw attention away from an often embarrassing or unpleasant issue
usually hyphenated when used attributively

Examples of smoke and mirrors in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These are blue tinged, rainy, full of smoke and mirrors. Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 22 May 2025 Authentic leaders can thrive in a world where smoke and mirrors rule the day. Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 8 May 2025 After covering the golf industry for three decades and keeping a close eye on what works and what is marketing smoke and mirrors, these are my personal picks for the current must-have golf gear, the best golf equipment for 2025. Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 That's all smoke and mirrors, counters lawyer Saharsky. Nina Totenberg, NPR, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for smoke and mirrors

Word History

First Known Use

1979, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of smoke and mirrors was in 1979

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Cite this Entry

“Smoke and mirrors.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smoke%20and%20mirrors. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

smoke and mirrors

noun
: something intended to disguise or draw attention away especially from an unpleasant issue
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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