The phrase "puts up a smoke screen" refers to a metaphorical action taken by someone with the intention of diverting attention or creating confusion, typically to conceal their true intentions or activities. This idiom draws its origin from military tactics, specifically from the era of World War I and World War II, where smoke screens were used as a defensive measure to obscure the enemy's view or to mask troops' movements.
When an individual "puts up a smoke screen," they are actively engaging in behavior or rhetoric that serves as a distraction from their actual motives. This can involve employing tactics such as misinformation, misdirection, or exaggerated actions to confuse others and hide their true intentions or activities. The intention behind putting up a smoke screen is often to manipulate or deceive others, ensuring they remain oblivious to the true nature of the situation.
In common usage, this phrase is often used to describe politicians, public figures, or organizations employing various tactics to divert public attention or to obfuscate the truth. By raising false issues, introducing complexity, or creating a flurry of activity, those who put up a smoke screen seek to conceal their true goals, actions, or intentions. This phrase is also frequently used to describe situations where someone deliberately creates a confusing or chaotic environment to shield themselves from scrutiny.
In summary, to "put up a smoke screen" means to engage in actions or rhetoric that intentionally distract, confuse, or mislead others to divert their attention away from one's true intentions or activities.
