What do red herrings have to do with mysteries?

Answer 1

There are several versions of the story regarding origins for this phrase.

One version suggests that poachers may have used herrings to confuse hunting dogs in order to snatch fallen game themselves, while another suggests that herrings may have been used to train hunting dogs by dragging the fish on a piece of string.

One rather unlikely tale suggests that herrings might have been used to put off pursuing bloodhounds, but as a dog is generally able to determine many smells from one another and the quarry would probably end up carrying the scent of the very thing they wish to use as a decoy, it seems unlikely that this would work for one being pursued.

A likely explanation for the term is the use of herring dragged across the trail of a fox (or other quarry) in order to test the sensitivity and intelligence of a trainee hunting dog in following the correct trail. This version seems logical, as 'red herring' is generally used to refer to a false clue or trail leading to the wrong conclusion.

Herring spoils quickly, and the process of curing (salting and smoking the fish to preserve it) gives the flesh a distinctive smell and red colour.