# reality distortion field

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/reality-distortion-field
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

The persuasive ability of a leader or entrepreneur, especially in misleading or convincing others in order to promote a product or service.

## Examples

- The CEO uses his reality distortion field to sell every new product.
- Even though the technology was unfinished, the founder used his reality distortion field to convince investors that it was ready for the market.
- His legendary reality distortion field was so powerful that he could persuade even the most skeptical engineers to believe the impossible deadlines were achievable.

## Origin

In the idiomatic sense, coined by software developer Bud Tribble at Apple Computer in 1981, to describe company co-founder Steve Jobs' charisma and its effects on the developers working on the Mac project: "Steve has a reality distortion field. […] In his presence, reality is malleable. He can convince anyone of practically anything." The term was borrowed from the 1966 Star Trek episode "The Menagerie", in which the humanoid Talosians are able to create lifelike illusions using such fields.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.