What does “Wag the dog” mean?
"Wag the dog" means to divert attention from a more important issue by focusing on something less significant.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The politician tried to wag the dog by bringing up a minor scandal.
Example
The company used a flashy marketing campaign to wag the dog and distract from their poor financial performance.
Example
The celebrity's controversial tweet was an attempt to wag the dog and shift the public's attention away from their personal problems
Is “Wag the dog” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Wag the dog” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Wag the dog” effectively in context?
You can use "Wag the Dog" to describe a situation where someone intentionally tries to divert attention from an important matter by focusing on something less significant. For example, if a politician is facing criticism for a controversial decision, they might try to "wag the dog" by bringing up a minor scandal to shift the public's attention.
- 1Politics
The politician tried to wag the dog by bringing up a minor scandal.
- 2Marketing
The company used a flashy marketing campaign to wag the dog and distract from their poor financial performance.
- 3Celebrity Gossip
The celebrity's controversial tweet was an attempt to wag the dog and shift the public's attention away from their personal problems.
Similar phrases to “Wag the dog”:
Smoke and mirrors
To create a deceptive or misleading impression
Example
The magician used smoke and mirrors to create the illusion of a disappearing act.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Wag the dog” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Wag the Dog" can be traced back to a proverb that says, 'A dog is smarter than its tail, but if the tail were smarter, then the tail would wag the dog.' The phrase gained popularity in the 1997 film 'Wag the Dog,' where it was used to describe the act of diverting attention from a more significant issue by creating a distraction.
Is “Wag the dog” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Wag the Dog" is a well-known idiom and is commonly used in everyday conversation, especially in discussions about politics, media, and public relations. It is often used to criticize or highlight instances of manipulation or diversion tactics.
What tone does “Wag the dog” have?
"Wag the Dog" conveys a tone of skepticism and criticism. It suggests that someone is trying to manipulate or distract others by focusing on something less important.
Can “Wag the dog” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Wag the Dog" is commonly used in both informal and formal settings. It is frequently used in discussions about politics, media, and public relations, but can also be used in everyday conversations to describe situations where someone is trying to divert attention.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The company used a flashy marketing campaign to "wag the dog" and distract from their poor financial performance.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'They're just trying to "wag the dog"' to imply the act of diversion.
