English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Throw dust in eyes
Meaning
The idiom "throw dust in eyes" is used to describe a situation where someone tries to deceive or mislead others by providing false information or distraction, often to avoid accountability or responsibility. This phrase can also imply that the person in question is trying to create confusion or obscure the truth.
Usage
- The CEO decided to throw dust in eyes by releasing an unclear statement about the company's financial status, hoping to avoid public scrutiny.
- When asked about his mistake, John tried to throw dust in eyes by blaming the system for the error.
- During the court trial, the prosecutor threw dust in eyes by introducing irrelevant evidence, hoping to confuse the jury and discredit the defense.
- After being accused of plagiarism, Sarah tried to throw dust in eyes by claiming she had a different source for her research.
- The politician tried to throw dust in eyes by denying any wrongdoing and shifting the focus to unrelated issues.
Roots and History
The origin of this idiom is not entirely clear, but it has been used in English since at least the 16th century. One theory suggests that the phrase comes from the practice of throwing dust on someone's face to blind them or distract them, making it difficult for them to see what is happening around them. This could be seen as a metaphor for deception or misleading information that obscures the truth.
Synonyms in English
- Misdirect attention
- Create confusion
- Distract from the issue at hand
- Disguise the truth
- Evade responsibility
Synonyms in other languages
- Spanish: "Divertir el ojo" (to distract the eye)
- French: "Perdre de vue" (to lose sight)
- German: "Verwirren" (to confuse)
- Italian: "Distogliere l'attenzione" (to distract attention)
- Japanese: "権威する" (to intimidate or dominate)