Red Herring (Noun)

Meaning ¹

A first draft of a prospectus; must be clearly marked to indicate that parts may be changed in the final prospectus; "because some portions of the cover page are printed in red ink a preliminary prospectus is sometimes called a red herring".

Classification

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.

Examples

• The preliminary prospectus was clearly marked as a red herring to indicate that certain details were subject to change.
• The company's lawyers carefully reviewed the draft prospectus to ensure that it was labeled as a red herring to avoid any potential liability.
• Investors were warned that the financial projections in the red herring were based on estimates and may not reflect the company's actual performance.
• The Securities and Exchange Commission requires that a preliminary prospectus be clearly identified as a red herring to prevent investors from relying on incomplete or inaccurate information.
• The cover page of the prospectus was printed in red ink, earning it the nickname "red herring" among investors and financial analysts.

Synonyms

• Preliminary Prospectus

Hypernyms

• Course Catalog
• Prospectus

Meaning ²

Any diversion intended to distract attention from the main issue.

Classification

Nouns denoting acts or actions.

Examples

• The politician's sudden interest in the economy was just a red herring to distract from the scandal surrounding his administration.
• The company's announcement of a new product was a red herring to divert attention from their financial struggles.
• The detective realized that the suspicious letter was a red herring meant to throw her off the trail of the real culprit.
• The news about the celebrity's personal life was a red herring to distract from the fact that their new movie was receiving terrible reviews.
• The teacher's lengthy explanation of the minor detail was a red herring to avoid discussing the more complex and relevant topic.

Hypernyms

• Deflection
• Deflexion
• Divagation
• Deviation
• Digression

Meaning ³

A dried and smoked herring having a reddish color.

Classification

Nouns denoting foods and drinks.

Examples

• The red herring was a key ingredient in the traditional Scandinavian dish.
• In the deli case, rows of red herrings were stacked alongside other cured meats.
• She served the red herring with boiled potatoes and steamed vegetables.
• The chef's specialty was a stew made with red herrings and root vegetables.
• In the smoky air of the tavern, he ordered a plate of pickled red herrings and a pint of ale.

Synonyms

• Smoked Herring