目めくらまし

noun

blinding someone; dazzling to escape

Literal act of temporarily blinding someone, often to facilitate an escape. Can refer to throwing something in the eyes or using a bright light.

• 忍にん者じゃは目めくらましに煙けむり玉だまを使つかった。

  The ninja used a smoke bomb as a blinding distraction.

noun

smoke screen; distraction; deception

Figurative use: a tactic or action meant to divert attention, hide the truth, or deceive. Common in politics, business, and everyday situations.

• その発はっ表ぴょうは単たんなる目めくらましで、本ほん当とうの問もん題だいは別べつにある。

  That announcement is just a smoke screen; the real problem lies elsewhere.

• 彼かれは目めくらましの質しつ問もんをして、本ほん題だいから話はなしをそらした。

  He asked a distracting question to divert the conversation from the main issue.

noun

magic trick; sleight of hand

Dated term for a magic trick or sleight of hand, now mostly replaced by 手品 (てじな) or マジック. Still understood in historical or traditional contexts.

See also: 手品

• 昔むかしの大だい道どう芸げい人にんは目めくらましで観かん客きゃくを驚おどろかせた。

  Old-time street performers amazed audiences with sleight of hand.