ˌred ˈherring noun [countable]
a fact or idea that is not important but is introduced to take your attention away from the points that are important ⇒ distraction

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

red herring
something that takes people's attention away from the main subject being talked or written about.
About halfway through the book it looked as though the butler was the murderer, but that turned out to be a red herring.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

red herring
an unimportant matter that draws attention away from the main subject; some information or a suggestion that is used to draw attention away from the real facts of a situation (orginally used as a strong fish smell from a smoked fish that was used to confuse hunting dogs when they were hunting and following something); something that draws attention away from the matter that is under consideration
Talking about the other issue was a red herring and did not do anything to deal with today's problem.

The tax issue is a red herring and it is not what the news reporters wanted to talk about.

The issue of salary is a red herring and is not related to the main issues of the negotiations.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

red herring
n. phr. A false scent laid down in order to deceive; a phony or misleading story designed to cause confusion.
That story about the president having an affair was a red herring created by the opposition in order to discredit him.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲