throw dust in (one's) eyes

throw dust in (one's) eyes

To mislead or deceive someone by presenting or introducing distracting or obfuscating information. It is a common tactic of despotic governments to throw dust in our eyes with fear and incitements to hatred in order to keep us from questioning their consolidation of power.
See also: dust, eye, throw
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

throw dust in someone's eyes

Mislead someone, as in The governor's press aide threw dust in their eyes, talking about a flight at the airport when he was heading for the highway . This metaphoric expression alludes to throwing dust or sand in the air to confuse a pursuing enemy. [Mid-1700s]
See also: dust, eye, throw
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

throw dust in someone's eyes

mislead someone by misrepresentation or diverting attention from a point.
See also: dust, eye, throw
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • throw dust in someone's eyes
  • throw dust in (one's) face
  • come it over
  • come it over (one)
  • catfish
  • fake out
  • fake someone out
  • doublespeak
  • fake on someone
  • dialog