DRAW A RED HERRING ACROSS THE TRACKalso:
DRAW A RED HERRING ACROSS THE PATH DRAW A RED HERRING ACROSS THE TRAIL VERB to attempt to divert attention from the real question ...1892 ETYMOLOGY - derived from farmers 17th century* practice of trailing or dragging a red herring** around their fields to divert the hounds away from their crops during a fox hunt; - some sources also state that criminals would mislead bloodhounds that were chasing them by dragging a red herring across their tracks; hence: red herring: a subject intended to be misleading or distracting * published in The Gentleman's Recreation, by Nicholas Cox, 1686 ** red herrings - literally, herrings that turn red when cured by smoking, and have a strong scent FIRST DOCUMENTED USE 1892 - See Example below EXAMPLE "...That these red-herrings drawn across the path did not prevail, and that M. Mercier was overthrown in spite of his many advantages, is a proof that the people..." From: The Spectator, March 12, 1892 "The Verdict of Quebec" SOURCES • A New English Dictionary on Historical Principles, James Murray, 1887-1933
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