This idiom describes deceiving, exaggerating, or misleading someone with empty talk or flattery, as if creating a smokescreen to obscure the truth. It conveys insincerity or manipulation, often used in personal, professional, or political contexts to critique dishonest communication. The phrase carries a tone of skepticism, warning, or disdain, reflecting cultural values of honesty and the human tendency to deceive. Its imagery of smoke evokes a fleeting, obscuring cloud, resonating in scenarios like sales pitches or promises. The idiom exposes deceit, making it a sharp metaphor for empty rhetoric.

The phrase likely originated in early 20th-century America, tied to stage magicians using smoke for illusions, as noted in theater journals. Its earliest recorded metaphorical use appears in *The Chicago Tribune* (1940s), describing political deceit. The idiom gained traction in the 1950s, amplified by journalism and noir films, notably in *The Big Sleep* (1946). Its spread was boosted by media, with *The New York Times* using it for corporate spin. Its adoption, primarily in the U.S., stems from its vivid imagery and relevance to deception, with use in the U.K. and Australia.