diversionary tactic
noun phraseUK /daɪˈvɜːʃənəri ˈtæktɪk/
US /daɪˈvɜːrʒəneri ˈtæktɪk/
A trick to make people look away from what is really happening.
The magician used a diversionary tactic so nobody saw him hide the coin.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A military action meant to draw an enemy's attention away from the main attack.
The small raid on the coast was a diversionary tactic to pull troops away from the border.
3. A political move designed to shift public attention from a problem.
Critics called the new law a diversionary tactic to hide the budget crisis.
4. In sports, a fake move that draws a defender away from the play.
The striker's run was a diversionary tactic that opened space for the winger.