The phrase "put up smoke screen" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /pʊt ʌp sməʊk skriːn/. The first word, "put," is pronounced with a short "u" sound, followed by a glottal stop and a "t." "Up" is pronounced with a short "ʌ" sound and a "p." "Smoke" is pronounced with a long "o" sound, followed by an "m," "k," and a schwa sound. Lastly, "screen" is pronounced with a long "i" sound, followed by an "n." This phrase means to create a diversion or a distraction to hide one's true motives.
To "put up a smoke screen" is a figurative expression that refers to the act of deliberately creating confusion or diversion to conceal one's true intentions or activities. Originating from military tactics that employ a smoke-producing device to conceal movement or protect troops, this phrase has been adopted into everyday language to describe actions taken to distract or mislead others.
When someone puts up a smoke screen, they typically engage in deceptive behavior or misleading actions in order to create a diversion and redirect attention away from the truth or their ulterior motives. This could involve spreading rumors, providing false information, or carrying out elaborate distractions to confuse or mislead others. The purpose of this smoke screen is often to protect one's own interests, hide one's true intentions, or deflect blame or suspicions.
The metaphorical smoke screen can be used in various contexts, including in politics, business, relationships, or any situation where deception or misdirection is employed. It implies a deliberate effort to obscure the truth, sow confusion, or divert attention away from an undesirable truth or one's own questionable actions.
Putting up a smoke screen can be seen as a strategic maneuver to manipulate people's perceptions, deflect criticism, or gain advantage in a given situation. It involves creating an illusion or false narrative to deter others from uncovering the underlying reality.