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

Just recall, though, that “This time is different” is a notorious red herring.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 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

In the end, the occult trappings were a red herring, apparently intended to throw police off the scent of the real culprits and the real motive.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 19, 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