misdirection

[ˌmɪsdəˈrekʃ(ə)n]

misdirection Definition

• 1. the act of directing someone away from a particular object or area, often as a distraction
• 2. the action or process of giving the wrong idea or impression, especially on purpose

Using misdirection: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "misdirection" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The magician used misdirection to make the audience focus on his left hand while he performed the trick with his right hand.

• Example

  The politician's speech was full of misdirection, trying to divert attention from the real issues.

• Example

  The robber used misdirection to distract the security guard while he stole the jewels.

• Example

  The coach used misdirection plays to confuse the opposing team.

misdirection Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for misdirection

• deception
• diversion
• distraction
• misleading
• red herring

Antonyms for misdirection

• clarity
• transparency

Phrases with misdirection

• smoke and mirrors

  an elaborate deception, typically one designed to distract attention from something important

  Example

  The company's financial report was just smoke and mirrors, hiding the true state of their finances.

• shell game

  a game in which a small ball or pea is placed under one of three walnut shells or cups, which are then moved around quickly and unpredictably. The player must guess which shell or cup the ball or pea is under.

  Example

  The street performer was playing the shell game, trying to trick people into betting on the wrong shell.

• bait and switch

  a sales tactic in which a customer is lured in by an attractive offer and then is persuaded to buy a more expensive item

  Example

  The store advertised a sale on laptops, but when customers arrived, they were told that the sale had ended and were offered more expensive models instead. It was a classic bait and switch.

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Summary: misdirection in Brief

Misdirection [ˌmɪsdəˈrekʃ(ə)n] refers to the act of directing someone away from a particular object or area, often as a distraction, or giving the wrong idea or impression, especially on purpose. Examples include a magician using misdirection to perform a trick and a politician using misdirection to divert attention from real issues. Misdirection can be associated with phrases like 'smoke and mirrors,' 'shell game,' and 'bait and switch.'