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red herring 

Something used to divert attention form the real matter, issue or object(a dead red herring was often used to confuse or test the scent of a hunting dog)
That kid was just a red herring to prevent his friends from being caught in the act.

red herring 

In novels, usually mystery novels, a "red herring" is an extraneous character meant to divert the reader's attention from the true killer/robber/etc. It is usually a logical choice for the culprit, but ends up being nothing.
I thought Hampton was the killer, but he was a total red herring. It was Muldoon.
red herring by Clinto September 22, 2005

red herring argument

Fallacy of the red herring: Ignoring a criticism of an argument by changing attention to another subject.
Sure I ran the car into a tree, but you forgot my brithday.
red herring argument by robbot July 13, 2005

red herring 

Red herrings were often used by jail birds to mislead hound dogs that were tracking them.

The expression "red herring" refers to something that is misleading.
His wedding ring is a red herring, he is definately gay.
red herring by F B September 11, 2007

red herring 

Herrings put into a tub with salt or brine, later spitted on sharp wooden spits, and hung up in a chimney to be smoked and dried. Such preserved fish would keep for months (and indeed they were transported in barrels to provide protein on long sea voyages) but were inedible in this state and needed to be soaked to soften them and remove the salt before they could be cooked.

Do I smell a rat?

One key characteristic of red herrings, apart from their colour, was their strong smell, so much so that one use for them on occasion was to train hounds to follow a scent.

a deliberately misleading object
Neither fish nor flesh, nor good red herring
red herring by Andreas Wb May 10, 2005

Outlander (referring to a female)

A female "A Player," who is generally difficult to get a hold of or is always engaged in outlandish or extremely fun activities. This person would be very unlikely to respond to text messages or phone calls in a timely manner as she is most likely at EDC, hanging with Ludacris, or otherwise engaged in a pool party of some kind. Generally these females are extremely attractive and know it.
God this chick is such an Outlander (referring to a female). She texts me back 3 days later with a full response like its normal.