E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Red Herring.
Drawing a red herring across the path. Trying to divert attention from the main question by some side-issue. A red herring drawn across a fox’s path destroys the scent and sets the dogs at fault.
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Neither fish, flesh, nor good red herring. Something insipid and not good eating. Neither one thing nor another.
