das Ablenkungsmanöver
Translation
diversionary tactic, red herring, feint, distraction maneuver
Examples
Das war nur ein Ablenkungsmanöver.
That was just a diversionary tactic.
Mit Ablenkungsmanövern versuchten sie, Zeit zu gewinnen.
They tried to buy time with diversionary tactics.
Grammar Patterns
((to launch/carry out)) ((a diversionary tactic)). The thief launched a diversionary tactic.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Täuschung (deception), Finte (feint), Irreführung (misdirection)
Etymology
A compound noun: 'Ablenkung' (distraction) + '-s-' (linking element) + 'Manöver' (maneuver). 'Ablenkung' comes from 'ablenken' (to distract), which is 'ab-' (away) + 'lenken' (to steer).
Memory Tips
Break it down: 'Ab-lenkungs-manöver' literally means 'Away-steering-maneuver'. A maneuver designed to steer attention away.