What is another word for bread and circuses?
Pronunciation: [bɹˈɛd and sˈɜːkəsɪz] (IPA) 
Bread and circuses, a term coined by the ancient Roman poet Juvenal, refers to the government's strategy of keeping the masses happy with food and entertainment rather than attending to their real needs. This phrase has become a common idiom to describe politicians' tactics of distracting the public from important issues. Some synonyms for bread and circuses include "distraction politics," "superficial entertainment," "empty promises," and "smoke and mirrors." These terms all describe the same phenomenon: politicians engaging in showmanship and empty promises to gain popular support without addressing underlying issues. Ultimately, these tactics only serve to pacify the public while ignoring their legitimate grievances.
