Few of us like to discuss difficult issues. Instead, we turn attention from the facts with a red herring.

This expression refers to a distraction from crucial matters.

A red herring is a dried smoked fish. Smoking to preserve the herring creates its red color.

The Free Dictionary says the expression may have come from using the fish’s strong smell to distract hunting dogs from a trail.

It may also have come from a writer “who used the scent-laying image as a metaphor.” Mystery writers still give misleading clues about “who-done-it.”

Children frequently use a red herring.

They don’t want to:

• Complete chores.
• Work on school assignments.
• Admit when they disobey.

Instead, they:

• Complain about unfair rules.
• Ask irrelevant questions.
• Talk about another child’s behavior.

A red herring from adults causes much greater harm.

Like children, we distract attention from:

• Responsibilities we want to avoid
• Main issues
• Poor choices

We focus away from our involvement in:

• Abuse, neglect, or other criminal activity
• Political misdeeds
• Business errors

Rather than do what we should, we:

• Blame innocent people.
• Focus on unrelated issues.
• Make self-centered decisions.

A red herring often misleads as well as distracts.

We don’t just chase rabbits. We deliberately point people in the wrong direction.

Enjoy novels with red herrings. Avoid red herrings in real life.

“Jesus answered: ‘Watch out that no one deceives you’” (Matthew 24:4 NIV).

Thanks to Kay Emerick for the suggestion. Image by Hans from Pixabay.

Do you have an expression you want explained or thoughts about this one? If so, please comment below.

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