spin doctor
/ˈspɪn ˌdɒktər/
Meaning
A 'spin doctor' is a public relations spokesperson or political advisor employed to present a favorable interpretation of events to the media. They 'spin' negative or damaging news to make their client look better. The tone is highly cynical, critical, and often slightly sarcastic.
Examples
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After the scandal broke, the celebrity hired a top-tier spin doctor to salvage his reputation.
After the scandal broke, the celebrity hired a top-tier spin doctor to salvage his reputation.
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The politician's spin doctor managed to turn a disastrous interview into a victory for the campaign.
The politician's spin doctor managed to turn a disastrous interview into a victory for the campaign.
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Don't believe everything you hear in that press release; it's clearly the work of a clever spin doctor.
Don't believe everything you hear in that press release; it's clearly the work of a clever spin doctor.
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When the movie bombed at the box office, the studio's spin doctors blamed it on a bad release date.
When the movie bombed at the box office, the studio's spin doctors blamed it on a bad release date.
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She acts as a spin doctor for controversial tech companies, helping them navigate public backlash.
She acts as a spin doctor for controversial tech companies, helping them navigate public backlash.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I went to the hospital to see a spin doctor for my back pain.
✓ I went to the hospital to see a chiropractor for my back pain.
A 'spin doctor' is a PR specialist who manipulates information ('spin'), not a medical professional who treats the spine.
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✗ The DJ is a great spin doctor who mixes tracks perfectly.
✓ The DJ is great at spinning records.
While DJs 'spin' records, they are not called 'spin doctors' (which is strictly a cynical term for PR manipulators).
Related Expressions
Practice
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The company brought in a ___ to handle the fallout from the environmental disaster.
💡 A PR expert hired to manipulate public perception
Show answer
spin doctor
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No matter how bad the news is, a good ___ can always find a way to make it look positive.
💡 An advisor who interprets events favorably
Show answer
spin doctor