0 a fact, idea, or subject that takes people's attention away from the central point being considered: --
The police investigated many clues, but they were all red herrings.
1 something that takes attention away from a more important subject: --
That is a complete red herring, and a completely unnecessary detraction from the debate.
If he had, he would know that he has just raised a red herring.
Overcompensation by plants: herbivore optimization or red herring?
This, of course, is simply another red herring because the translations will stand or fall on their accuracy, not on who made them.
What they undoubtedly left behind was a large red herring obstructing the path of free communication - and a legacy of self-righteousness, guilt and prejudice.
In fact, the "identity" issue is a red herring.
Indeed, language may be a red herring, distracting us from the intriguing question of the nature of apes' social interactions.
As with any red herring, if we are to succeed in solving the puzzle correctly we must resist the temptation to fish for it.
