straw man
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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English [edit]
Etymology [edit]
Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1986 passim, shows first known usages for things insubstantial date to 1585-95. Universal Dictionary of the English Language, 1897, Vol 4, p. 4485, notes "man of straw" as "The figure of a man formed of an old suit of clothes stuffed with straw; hence, the mere resemblance of a man; one of no substance or means; an imaginary person."
Alternative forms [edit]
Noun [edit]
- A doll or scarecrow (particularly one stuffed with straw).
- An insubstantial concept, idea, endeavor or argument, particularly one deliberately set up to be weakly supported, so that it can be easily knocked down; especially to impugn the strength of any related thing or idea.
- An innocuous person or someone of nominal or lesser importance, as a front man or straw boss.
Translations [edit]
doll or scarecrow
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insubstantial or weakly supported concept, idea, endeavor or argument
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person of lesser importance
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