Wag the dog

Meaning

The idiom "wag the dog" is used to describe a situation where someone or something is causing chaos or stirring up trouble in order to divert attention away from a problem or issue. It suggests that the person or thing is trying to create a distraction by making a big fuss or causing a commotion, typically in order to hide something else that they don't want to be revealed.

Usage

• The CEO of the company wagged the dog by launching a new product line just before their annual stockholders meeting to distract from their declining profits.
• Politicians often wag the dog by accusing their opponents of wrongdoing in order to gain public support and divert attention away from their own failings.
• In an attempt to wag the dog, the celebrity broke up with their partner just before their upcoming movie was released, hoping that the scandal would generate more buzz for the film.
• The company tried to wag the dog by making a big show of investing in new technology, but their profits continued to decline and they were eventually forced to declare bankruptcy.
• The athlete wagged the dog by making an outrageous comment on social media, hoping that it would generate more attention and endorsement deals for themselves. The usage of the idiom "wag the dog" can vary depending on the context. It can be used in a variety of situations, including business, politics, entertainment, and sports, but its meaning remains consistent throughout these contexts.

Roots and History

The origin of the idiom is unclear, but it has been in use since at least the 1600s. One theory suggests that it comes from the practice of wagging a dog's tail to distract it from something it doesn't want to see or do, while another theory suggests that it comes from the idea of causing a commotion or stirring up trouble in order to divert attention away from something else. Over time, the meaning and usage of the idiom have remained consistent, although its popularity may have fluctuated depending on cultural trends and events. There are no known regional variations of the idiom in English.

Synonyms in English

• Distract
• Create a diversion
• Cause chaos
• Make a big fuss
• Stir up trouble

Synonyms in other languages

• In French, the equivalent idiom is "jeter le décor" (to throw the scenery), which means to cause a commotion or stirring up trouble in order to divert attention away from something else.
• In Spanish, the equivalent idiom is "buzcar", which means to create a fuss or make a big scene in order to draw attention to oneself.
• In German, the equivalent idiom is "verrückt machen", which means to go crazy or act wildly in order to get attention.
• In Italian, the equivalent idiom is "fare un cacciatoio" (to make a big splash), which means to create a commotion or stirring up trouble in order to draw attention to oneself.
• In Portuguese, the equivalent idiom is "dar um palpito", which means to go into a panic or act wildly in order to get attention.

Similar Idioms

• walk on eggshell

• worm in the apple

• catnap