Definition
Political misdirection and obfuscation designed to confuse or deceive voters, borrowed from stage magic. When politicians don't want you looking at the actual policy, they put on a show.
Example Usage
The tax plan was all smoke and mirrors—it appeared to cut rates while actually increasing them for most people.
Origin
From stage magic and illusion terminology, adopted into political criticism in the mid-20th century
Fun Fact
The phrase itself is somewhat ironic, as stage magicians rarely use actual smoke and mirrors together—it's a metaphor about metaphors.
Source: Political criticism terminology
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See “smoke and mirrors” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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laughing to the point of tears...