The term 'red herrings' is used to describe a situation in which someone or something is used as a distraction from the real issue. The term comes from the practice of using smoked herring to distract hunting dogs from the scent of their prey. In this context, a 'PLOY' is a clever trick or strategy used to deceive or distract someone. PLOYS are often used as red herrings to divert attention away from the real issue.