bright shiny object

B2General

(figurative, informal)Something that attracts a lot of attention due to its appealing surface characteristics, often without being useful or important.

Example

• Don't let every bright shiny object distract you from your main goals.
• The new software is just another bright shiny object that won't solve our core problems.

C1Business

(metaphorical, productivity)An idea or project that is appealing but may divert focus from more critical priorities.

Example

• We need to stay focused on our strategic plan and not chase every bright shiny object that comes along.
• The new marketing campaign is a bright shiny object that could distract us from our main objectives.

A2Literal

(literal)An object that reflects light and has a polished, gleaming surface.