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run interference
run interference
to turn attention away from something She wanted a minute alone with him to say goodbye, so her sister ran interference for her with the other guests. Buddy ran interference with his parents to keep them from finding out that Tom was a bit drunk.
run interference
(American) to help someone achieve something by dealing with the people or problems that might prevent them from doing so (usually + for ) When it comes to finding a hotel room, you'll be glad to have a tourist guide run interference for you.
run interference
Handle problems or help clear the way for another, as in The press secretary runs interference for the governor. This term comes from football, where it refers to the blocking of defensive players by offensive players to let the ball carrier advance. Its figurative use dates from the mid-1900s.