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.

Baroness Grey-Thompson, who opposes the bill, said peers had been scrutinising the bill line by line and it was a "red herring" to criticise the number of amendments tabled.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

“The childish scribbling handwriting is also a red herring for some of the more serious and sinister themes in the book, “ says Cash.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2026

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

Or do you suppose this is a red herring and that the abandonment of the gold standard is at the root of the matter?'

From "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro