red herring

A red herring is a misleading clue or distraction that diverts attention away from the main issue or argument. In discussions or debates, it often involves introducing irrelevant information or topics that may seem related but actually lead away from the central point. This tactic can confuse the audience or shift focus, making it harder to address the original topic effectively. Essentially, it serves as a way to obscure the truth or mislead the audience by drawing their attention elsewhere.