red herring

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But in the case of Iran, the whole exercise is a bit of a red herring.

From Slate • Mar. 11, 2026

Firm jobs growth could also be a "red herring," warned EY-Parthenon chief economist Gregory Daco in a recent note.

From Barron's • Jan. 9, 2026

Cardenas, noting that all the contributions he receives from those who come before the board are fully disclosed, calls the issue a red herring.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 22, 2025

Kim, the deputy director of North Korea's propaganda department, said Seoul's claim was an "unfounded unilateral supposition and a red herring".

From BBC • Aug. 13, 2025

The guidebook full of clues that had led him to Switzerland had been nothing but a red herring.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood