dead cat

Meanings

1. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see dead, cat.
2. A furry windscreen; a furry cover placed over a microphone to muffle the sound of wind.

1. A shocking or sensational announcement made in order to distract one's political base from existing problems and previous failures.

1. To announce (something) as a dead cat; to raise an issue as a political distraction.

Etymology

[Alt: A dark furry cover on a boom microphone] The instrument is named for its resemblance to an actual dead cat.