a red herring
简明释义
熏青鱼
英英释义
A misleading or distracting clue or piece of information that diverts attention from the main issue. | 一个误导性或分散注意力的线索或信息,转移了对主要问题的关注。 |
例句
1.The detective realized that the missing watch was just a red herring, distracting him from the real clues.
侦探意识到丢失的手表只是一个红鲱鱼,让他分心,忽略了真正的线索。
2.The company’s focus on minor product changes was just a red herring to distract from their declining sales.
公司对小产品变化的关注只是一个红鲱鱼,用来分散人们对销售下降的注意力。
3.In the debate, the politician used personal attacks as a red herring to avoid discussing his policies.
在辩论中,这位政治家使用人身攻击作为一个红鲱鱼来避免讨论他的政策。
4.Her sudden change of topic was clearly a red herring to avoid answering the tough questions.
她突然改变话题显然是一个红鲱鱼,为了避免回答棘手的问题。
5.The article mentioned a scandal that turned out to be a red herring and had nothing to do with the main issue.
这篇文章提到的丑闻结果是一个红鲱鱼,与主要问题无关。
作文
In the realm of literature and communication, the concept of a a red herring plays a significant role in shaping narratives and arguments. A a red herring is a misleading clue or distraction that diverts attention away from the main issue at hand. This term originates from the practice of using strong-smelling fish to confuse hunting dogs, thereby leading them off the scent of their actual target. In both writing and everyday conversation, recognizing and understanding a red herring can enhance our critical thinking skills and improve our ability to engage with complex ideas.One of the most prominent examples of a red herring can be found in mystery novels. Authors often introduce seemingly important details that ultimately lead the reader astray. For instance, in a classic detective story, the introduction of a suspicious character might initially seem relevant to the case. However, as the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that this character was merely a distraction, serving as a a red herring to keep readers guessing and to heighten the suspense. By employing such techniques, writers can create a more engaging and unpredictable narrative, encouraging readers to think critically about the clues presented.In addition to literature, the concept of a red herring is also prevalent in debates and discussions. Politicians and public figures often use a red herring to shift the focus away from uncomfortable questions or topics. For example, during a political debate, if a candidate is confronted with a challenging question about their policies, they might respond by bringing up an unrelated issue, such as a recent scandal involving their opponent. This tactic not only distracts the audience but also allows the candidate to avoid addressing the original question directly. Understanding this strategy helps individuals to remain vigilant and discerning when engaging in political discourse.Furthermore, in academic writing, the use of a red herring can undermine the credibility of an argument. When authors introduce irrelevant information or diverge from their main thesis, they risk losing the reader's trust. For instance, if a researcher is discussing the effects of climate change on polar bears but suddenly shifts the conversation to unrelated environmental issues, this could confuse readers and detract from the strength of their argument. Therefore, it is crucial for writers to stay focused and avoid incorporating a red herring elements that do not serve the central theme of their work.In conclusion, the term a red herring encapsulates the idea of distraction and misdirection, whether in literature, politics, or academic writing. By identifying and understanding this concept, we can enhance our analytical skills and become more effective communicators. Whether we are reading a novel, participating in a debate, or writing an essay, being aware of a red herring allows us to navigate through information with greater clarity and purpose. Ultimately, the ability to recognize these distractions empowers us to focus on what truly matters, enabling deeper comprehension and engagement with the subject matter at hand.
在文学和交流的领域中,“a red herring”这一概念在塑造叙事和论证方面发挥着重要作用。“a red herring”是一个误导性的线索或干扰,转移了人们对主要问题的注意力。这个术语源于使用强烈气味的鱼来迷惑猎犬,从而使它们偏离实际目标的做法。在写作和日常对话中,识别和理解“a red herring”可以增强我们的批判性思维能力,提高我们与复杂思想互动的能力。“a red herring”的一个显著例子可以在推理小说中找到。作者常常引入看似重要的细节,最终将读者引向错误的方向。例如,在经典的侦探故事中,引入一个可疑角色最初可能看起来与案件相关。然而,随着情节的发展,变得清楚的是,这个角色只是一个干扰,充当了“a red herring”,让读者猜测并加剧悬念。通过运用这样的技巧,作家可以创造出更具吸引力和不可预测的叙事,鼓励读者批判性地思考所呈现的线索。除了文学外,“a red herring”的概念在辩论和讨论中也很普遍。政治家和公众人物经常使用“a red herring”将注意力转移离开令人不安的问题或话题。例如,在政治辩论中,如果候选人被问及其政策的挑战性问题,他们可能会通过提及一个无关的问题,例如最近涉及对手的丑闻来回应。这种策略不仅分散了观众的注意力,还使候选人能够避免直接回答原始问题。理解这一策略帮助个人在参与政治话语时保持警惕和明辨。此外,在学术写作中,使用“a red herring”可能会削弱论点的可信度。当作者引入无关的信息或偏离主要论点时,他们就有可能失去读者的信任。例如,如果一位研究人员正在讨论气候变化对北极熊的影响,但突然将话题转向无关的环境问题,这可能会让读者感到困惑,并削弱他们论点的力量。因此,作家必须保持专注,避免引入不服务于其作品中心主题的“a red herring”元素。总之,术语“a red herring”概括了干扰和误导的概念,无论是在文学、政治还是学术写作中。通过识别和理解这一概念,我们可以增强分析能力,成为更有效的沟通者。无论我们是在阅读小说、参加辩论还是写论文,意识到“a red herring”使我们能够更清晰、更有目的地处理信息。最终,识别这些干扰的能力使我们能够专注于真正重要的事情,从而更深入地理解和参与手头的主题。
相关单词