red herring noun
plural ∼ -rings [count] : something unimportant that is used to stop people from noticing or thinking about something important
▪ The argument is a red herring. It actually has nothing to do with the issue. ▪ The plot of the mystery was full of red herrings.
▪ The argument is a red herring. It actually has nothing to do with the issue. ▪ The plot of the mystery was full of red herrings.
