die Nebelkerze
Translation
smokescreen, red herring, diversionary tactic, smoke grenade
Examples
Der Politiker zündete eine Nebelkerze.
The politician created a smokescreen.
Soldaten benutzten eine Nebelkerze zur Tarnung.
Soldiers used a smoke grenade for camouflage.
Grammar Patterns
eine Nebelkerze zünden (fig.) to create a smokescreen The politician lit a smokescreen to distract from the issue.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Rauchbombe (smoke bomb), Ablenkungsmanöver (diversionary tactic)
Etymology
Composed of 'Nebel' (fog, smoke) and 'Kerze' (candle). Literally a 'fog candle'.
Memory Tips
Imagine a politician lighting a foggy candle to obscure the truth, creating a 'smokescreen'.