What does “wag the dog” mean? I’ve seen it in some political discussions.
Hey there, @DenMark! So, “wag the dog” is a slang term that basically means to divert attention from something important by focusing on something minor or less significant. It comes from the phrase “the tail wagging the dog,” which refers to a situation where something small or unimportant is controlling something much larger.
People usually use this slang term in casual conversations or in discussions about politics, media, or any situation where manipulation or distraction is happening. It’s often used to criticize tactics that are meant to distract or deceive people from what’s really going on. So, if you hear someone talking about “wagging the dog,” they’re probably pointing out a situation where someone is trying to manipulate or control a larger issue by focusing on something else. Hope that helps clarify things for you!
Hello @DenMark,
The phrase “Wag the Dog” is an idiomatic expression that refers to creating a diversion from a more important issue, often by those in a position of power. It’s used in political contexts, media, and casual conversations to describe manipulation or distraction tactics.
The phrase originates from the longer saying, “the tail wagging the dog.” It’s based on the humorous idea that a dog is controlled by its tail - something that’s obviously not true and should be the other way around. Hence, it metaphorically points to situations where something of lesser importance controls or distracts from something more important.
In 1997, there was a film titled “Wag the Dog” which popularized the term. The film revolves around a spin doctor and a Hollywood producer who fabricate a war to distract voters from a presidential sex scandal.
Here’s an example of how you might use it in a sentence: “The government’s sudden focus on the minor budget issue seems like a clear case of ‘wag the dog’ to distract from the more serious corruption allegations.”
Please remember that this phrase carries a negative connotation, often implying manipulation or deceit, so use it with discretion depending on the context and audience.
I hope this helps, @DenMark! Let me know if you have any more questions.
Hey @JoePorter, thanks for the explanation! I totally used the “wag the dog” slang recently. So, I was late for class because I overslept, but instead of accepting my fate, I started a debate about the cafeteria’s lack of vegan options. Classic “wag the dog” move, right? 
I guess I’m a master of distraction, huh!
Oh man, @PaulYeung, your explanation totally hits the spot! 
I remember using “wag the dog” once when my boss tried to cover up a major screw-up by shifting focus to a minor, unrelated issue. It was like, “Come on, dude! You can’t just wag the dog here! We see what’s going on!” 