English idiom

smoke and mirrors

Register · Informal CEFR C1

Post

Figurative meaning

a deceptive or illusory presentation that hides what is really going on

Why this phrase?

From stage magic, where smoke and mirrors conceal how the trick works.

Example

“The demo was smoke and mirrors — the real product is still a mockup.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

let the cat out of the bag

To reveal a secret, usually by mistake.

pull someone's leg

To tease or joke with someone by telling them something untrue in fun.

spill the beans

To reveal a secret, often accidentally.

word of mouth

recommendations spread informally from person to person

behind the scenes

happening privately or secretly, not in public view

butter someone up

to flatter someone in order to gain a favour

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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