Meaning
Not real, lacking substance, to create an illusion.
Example
Congress proposes to cut taxes, increase spending, and reduce the budget deficit all at the same time through the judicious application of smoke and mirrors.
Origin
Magicians often use smoke and mirrors to create illusions and obscure your vision of a bit of trickery. A person who is using “smoke and mirrors” is creating an illusion.
- Special thanks to Chuck Moreland
