(all) done by mirrors

(all) done by mirrors

Done using trickery, deception, or misdirection. Before computer generated effects, fantastic, unbelievable things in movies were all done by mirrors.
See also: by, done, mirror
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

done by mirrors

and done with mirrors
mod. illusory; accomplished in a way that is purposefully deceptive. He’s not really smart. It’s all done by mirrors. The whole budgetary process is done with mirrors.
See also: by, done, mirror
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • (all) done with mirrors
  • all done with mirrors
  • done by mirrors
  • done with mirrors
  • mirror
  • done
  • no time like the present
  • no time like the present, there's
  • there's no time like the present
  • good and quickly seldom meet