Example
“The demo was smoke and mirrors — the real product is still a mockup.”
Dictionary details
Related idioms
Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.
let the cat out of the bag
Informal · CEFR B1
To reveal a secret, usually by mistake.
pull someone's leg
Informal · CEFR B1
To tease or joke with someone by telling them something untrue in fun.
spill the beans
Informal · CEFR B1
To reveal a secret, often accidentally.
word of mouth
Neutral · CEFR B1
recommendations spread informally from person to person
behind the scenes
Neutral · CEFR B2
happening privately or secretly, not in public view
butter someone up
Informal · CEFR B2
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.