"wag the dog"
The term is a figure of speech that refers to a situation where someone intentionally diverts attention from a potentially damaging or controversial issue by focusing on something else.
It originates from the idiom "a dog wagging its tail," which implies that the dog is in control and using its tail to distract people from its actual actions or intentions.
The term is a figure of speech that refers to a situation where someone intentionally diverts attention from a potentially damaging or controversial issue by focusing on something else.
It originates from the idiom "a dog wagging its tail," which implies that the dog is in control and using its tail to distract people from its actual actions or intentions.
In the context of politics and media, "wag the dog" often describes a scenario where a government or powerful entity fabricates or exaggerates a crisis or conflict in order to divert public attention away from other pressing matters or scandals.
It involves manipulating public opinion through strategic distractions, such as starting a war or emphasizing an external threat, to rally support or gain an advantage.
It involves manipulating public opinion through strategic distractions, such as starting a war or emphasizing an external threat, to rally support or gain an advantage.
