What does smoky mirrors mean?

Pronunciation

/ˈsmoʊki ˈmɪrɪz/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Phrase

Definition

An idiomatic expression used to describe a situation where someone is trying to deceive or manipulate others by creating a confusing or unclear picture, often by hiding or distorting the truth.

Examples

• The politician was accused of using smoky mirrors to avoid answering the question directly.
• The company’s financial reports seemed like smoky mirrors, making it hard to understand their true financial situation.

Synonyms

• Smoke and mirrors
• Deception

Antonyms

• Transparency
• Honesty

Additional Information

The phrase “smoky mirrors” is often used to describe situations where someone is trying to create a false or misleading impression. It can be used in a variety of contexts, including politics, business, and personal relationships. The phrase is thought to have originated from the idea of a magician using smoke and mirrors to create an illusion.

Etymology

The phrase “smoky mirrors” is a variation of the idiom “smoke and mirrors,” which has been in use since the 16th century. The phrase is thought to have originated from the idea of a magician using smoke and mirrors to create an illusion.

Usage Notes

The phrase “smoky mirrors” can be used in a variety of contexts, including formal and informal writing and speech. It is often used to add emphasis or drama to a statement, and can be used to describe a situation where someone is trying to deceive or manipulate others.

Cultural References

The phrase “smoky mirrors” has been used in popular culture to describe situations where someone is trying to deceive or manipulate others. It has been used in film, literature, and music to add emphasis or drama to a scene or statement.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Smoke and mirrors
• Hide behind a mask

Related Words or Phrases

• Deception
• Dishonesty

Collocations

• Use smoky mirrors
• Create smoky mirrors

Frequency of Use

The phrase “smoky mirrors” is moderately common in modern language, and is often used in formal and informal writing and speech.

Common Misspellings

• Smoki mirrors
• Smoky mirors