use a distraction

Frequency: 6.810.3 per million words

To utilize a distraction for a specific purpose, often strategically.

distractionVERB + NOUN

Categories:

use

Examples (10)

  • Becca used the distraction to make a run for it.
  • The magician uses a flash of light as a distraction to perform his trick.
  • Parents often use a favorite toy as a distraction when a child is upset.
  • The team will use a noisy car alarm as a distraction to sneak past the guards.
  • To get through the painful procedure, he tried to use music as a distraction.
  • A clever distraction was used by the thief to disable the security cameras.
  • The negotiator skillfully used a minor point as a distraction from the main issue.
  • The mother bird uses a broken-wing display as a distraction to lure predators away.
  • In warfare, commanders often use a small skirmish as a distraction before the main attack.
  • I had to use the sudden phone call as a distraction to leave the awkward conversation.