smokescreen
Translation
smokescreen, cover-up, pretext, subterfuge
Examples
The warship created a smokescreen to escape.
The warship created a smokescreen to escape.
His anger was just a smokescreen for his fear.
His anger was just a smokescreen for his fear.
Grammar Patterns
a smokescreen for ((sth.)) something intended to hide the truth about (sth.) His anger was just a smokescreen for his fear.
Similar Words
Synonyms: pretext, cover-up, subterfuge
Etymology
From 'smoke' + 'screen'. Literally, a screen made of smoke.
Memory Tips
Imagine a magician using a puff of smoke (a smokescreen) to hide a trick.