To fling dust or snuff in the eyes of the person intended to be robbed; also to invent some plausible tale, to delude shop-keepers and others, thereby to put them off their guard. (1811 Dictionary of Vulgar Tongue)
If you amuse yourself, you do something in order to pass the time and not become bored. I need distractions. I need to amuse myself so I won't keep thinking about things Put a selection of baby toys in his cot to amuse him if he wakes early. = entertain see also amused, amusing