Meaning of smokescrean

[henning]

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #37 "A Public Figure", question 2

Any arguments he put up in his defence were regarded as a ......... by people who were determined to see him convicted.

(a) cloud
(b) smokescreen
(c) confusion
(d) fog

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #37 "A Public Figure", answer 2

Any arguments he put up in his defence were regarded as a smokescreen by people who were determined to see him convicted.

Correct answer: (b) smokescreen
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WHAT DOES "FOG "MEANS?

[Daniela]

Dear learner,
Fog means vapor in the air near the ground which reduces visibility. It's like a cloud close to the ground.
The word "fog" can also be used to imply confusion, lack of clarity.
You might be as well interested to know that if you combine the words smoke and fog, you get SMOG (SMOke+foG).
SMOG stands for air pollution caused by mixture of smoke and fog.
Daniela

P.S. Just to remind you that when you use the auxiliary DOES, you don't need the S in the verb. So, your question should be: What DOES fog MEAN?
Enjoy the tests!
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[Ceo Neeraj]

Hi,

Please explain me the meaning of "Smokescreen" in "Any arguments he put up in his defence were regarded as a smokescreen by people who were determined to see him convicted."

Where do we usually use this word??

HELP!!

[Mickey]

Why use "smokescreen" in this sentence?