dictionary.pt

dictionary.pt

to throw off the scent

verbgeneral usecommon/dɨʃpiʃˈtaɾ/des·pis·tar

Definitions

2
1

To cause to lose the trail; to mislead or deceive in order to evade pursuit or discovery.

Usage examples

The fugitive tried to throw the police off his scent by taking several detours.
False information was used to throw off the investigators.

Common combinations

to throw off the policeto throw off pursuers
2

To divert someone's attention from something.

Usage examples

He tried to distract the conversation to avoid the topic.
Don't let yourself be distracted by the details.

Common combinations

to distract attention