Blowing smoke

Meaning

The idiom "blowing smoke" is used to describe someone or something that is trying to deceive or mislead others by giving them false information or creating a false impression. It implies that the person or thing is trying to hide their true intentions or abilities.

Usage

• The politician was blowing smoke when he promised to improve healthcare in his state. (Here, the politician is lying about improving healthcare.)
• The company's financial reports were blowing smoke, and they were actually losing money. (Here, the company's financial reports are lying about their financial position.)
• The athlete was blowing smoke when he said he wasn't injured; he was just trying to avoid playing in the game. (Here, the athlete is lying about being injured to avoid playing in the game.)
• The salesperson was blowing smoke when she said the product was the best on the market; it was actually a mediocre product. (Here, the salesperson is lying about the product's quality to sell it.)
• The politician was blowing smoke when he promised to reduce crime rates in his city. (Here, the politician is lying about reducing crime rates.)

Roots and History

The idiom "blowing smoke" dates back to the 16th century and comes from the practice of trying to hide or deceive someone by blowing smoke or mist in their face. This was a common tactic used by magicians, con artists, and other tricksters to make their victims believe they were something else entirely. Over time, the idiom has evolved to refer to any kind of deception or misleading information.

Synonyms in English

• Blowing one's own trumpet
• Spouting nonsense
• Flapping one's jaws
• Yakking
• Bleating

Synonyms in other languages

• French: "parler en boue" (speak like mud) - this idiom refers to someone who is lying or exaggerating their skills.
• Spanish: "hacer choclo" (to do a poor job) - this idiom refers to someone who is trying to deceive others by doing a poor job on purpose.
• German: "blasen von sich selbst" (blow one's own horn) - this idiom refers to someone who is boasting about their achievements.
• Italian: "fare speranza" (to hope for the best) - this idiom refers to someone who is lying or exaggerating their abilities in order to impress others.
• Japanese: "すめる" (to be deceived) - this idiom refers to someone who has been tricked or deceived by another person or thing.

Similar Idioms

• barrel of monkeys

• beck and call

• bread and butter