To "put up a smoke screen" is an idiomatic expression used to describe the act of intentionally creating confusion or distractions in order to divert attention from the truth, one's true intentions, or to conceal something. It derives from the imagery of a literal smoke screen, which is deployed as a defensive tactic to obscure the vision of an adversary.
Metaphorically, putting up a smoke screen involves employing a series of deceptions, misrepresentations, or distractions to deflect focus away from a particular issue or to mask one's ulterior motives or actions. It is often associated with acts of dishonesty, manipulation, or evasion in both personal and professional contexts.
This expression is frequently used in situations where someone wants to conceal their true intentions, avoid taking responsibility, or create confusion to gain an advantage. The smoke screen can be generated through various means, such as spreading misinformation, making false claims, diverting attention to a different issue, or using ambiguity to cloud the understanding of a situation.
In essence, "putting up a smoke screen" involves intentionally creating an environment where observing or interpreting events accurately becomes difficult, by deliberately creating a diversion or employing tactics that blur the real focus or intent. It underscores the notion of using misdirection and deceit to achieve a hidden agenda, casting doubt upon the truth and making it harder to distinguish what is genuine from what is fabricated.
