Red herring and idioms
The new Martin Scorsese movie, Shutter Island, debuted yesterday to mixed reviews. The New York Times review suggested the movie was a little too heavy on the red herrings.1 “Red herrings” is a phrase you hear all the time but may have never understood the meaning without some context.
Red herring anyone? I've got plenty!
Red herring is an idiom and describes something that intentionally diverts attention from the actual or more significant event.2 It’s name comes from the name for a herring fish that is smoked and cured and therefore strong smelling and reddish (read: noticeable).
An idiom? Idioms are simply expressions whose meanings are separate from their literal definitions – “caught in a pickle,” “paint the town red,” etc. If you’re over the age of 30, you’ll probably remember this classic cartoon below, using idioms to tell the whole story. If not, then sit back and enjoy six and a half minutes of creativity from the great Tex Avery.
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