The term for the person/group a political party aligns themselves with to appear concerned about the general...
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A good example would be a president bringing iron workers onstage at a rally to show that he has the workingman's interests at heart.
Sentence: the workers were the president's ____ in attempt to win over public support.
Sentence: the president used the workers as a ____ to win over public support.
"Uncle tom" comes to mind, but it is too specific and implies fault on the group being used. I would prefer a term describing the appropriation going on.
single-word-requests
asked May 28 at 20:01
awsunitawsunit
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We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.
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A good example would be a president bringing iron workers onstage at a rally to show that he has the workingman's interests at heart.
Sentence: the workers were the president's ____ in attempt to win over public support.
Sentence: the president used the workers as a ____ to win over public support.
"Uncle tom" comes to mind, but it is too specific and implies fault on the group being used. I would prefer a term describing the appropriation going on.
single-word-requests
asked May 28 at 20:01
awsunitawsunit
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We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.
Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
– tchrist♦
Jun 2 at 22:28
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A good example would be a president bringing iron workers onstage at a rally to show that he has the workingman's interests at heart.
Sentence: the workers were the president's ____ in attempt to win over public support.
Sentence: the president used the workers as a ____ to win over public support.
"Uncle tom" comes to mind, but it is too specific and implies fault on the group being used. I would prefer a term describing the appropriation going on.
single-word-requests
asked May 28 at 20:01
awsunitawsunit
661 silver badge5 bronze badges
A good example would be a president bringing iron workers onstage at a rally to show that he has the workingman's interests at heart.
Sentence: the workers were the president's ____ in attempt to win over public support.
Sentence: the president used the workers as a ____ to win over public support.
"Uncle tom" comes to mind, but it is too specific and implies fault on the group being used. I would prefer a term describing the appropriation going on.
single-word-requests
single-word-requests
asked May 28 at 20:01
awsunitawsunit
661 silver badge5 bronze badges
asked May 28 at 20:01
awsunitawsunit
661 silver badge5 bronze badges
asked May 28 at 20:01
awsunitawsunit
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asked May 28 at 20:01
awsunitawsunit
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asked May 28 at 20:01
awsunitawsunit
661 silver badge5 bronze badges
661 silver badge5 bronze badges
We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.
We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.
We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.
Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
– tchrist♦
Jun 2 at 22:28
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Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
– tchrist♦
Jun 2 at 22:28
Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
– tchrist♦
Jun 2 at 22:28
Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
– tchrist♦
Jun 2 at 22:28
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10 Answers
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A shill is probably the nearest word, although like with Uncle Tom, it is difficult to avoid the connotation that the shills are knowing participants, or at least that in all the circumstances they ought to know.
You can also describe the role of the people involved. You could say they act as window dressing.
"The president used the workers as window dressing to win over public support."
Using this latter device tends to avoid the connotation that the people involved (the window dressing) are at fault.
edited May 28 at 20:33
user067531
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answered May 28 at 20:17
SteveSteve
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"Props" serves a similar function. To me, it conveys more of the cynicism of exploiting people that are shortly to be forgotten again until the next election.
– user888379
May 28 at 20:29
@user888379, props is a very good word!
– Steve
May 28 at 21:18
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I like the word prop.
Prop: something used in creating or enhancing a desired effect
Often it has a negative association because it is generally used like "The President used the iron workers as props"; using frequently means to take advantage of.
answered May 29 at 13:04
UnhandledExcepSeanUnhandledExcepSean
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But sadly, it doesn't address the person/group a political party aligns themselves with or appearing concerned about the general public.
– Edwin Ashworth
May 29 at 18:53
Maybe, but it fits the examples cited by the OP. It seems to fit the intent of the post, if not the exact words.
– Cullub
May 30 at 18:01
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Sentence: the workers were the president's token in attempt to win over public support.
Sentence: the president used the workers as a token to win over public support
token English Oxford Living Dictionaries
- a thing serving as a visible or tangible representation of a fact, quality, feeling, etc..
This term contains the inference of appearing to align per the given context without implying fault on the group being used.
answered May 28 at 20:41
David DDavid D
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Cf. token minority, which has a similar sense.
– TaliesinMerlin
May 28 at 20:46
3
Token doesn’t imply the attempt of the President to “use” workers just for his campaign, without any real concern for their fate.
– user067531
May 28 at 20:54
Never say something is to the OED that does not link to oed.com
– tchrist♦
Jun 2 at 22:26
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I've usually heard them referred to as a "Poster Child," a reference to a proverbial propaganda poster.
someone or something that is used to represent a particular quality:
-Cambridge Dictionary online
edited May 29 at 19:57
Cascabel
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answered May 29 at 18:49
adamlaughlinadamlaughlin
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This is probably has the makings of the best answer here (the rest are so general [or refer to the 'poster children' being pawns etc when they could just be the 1% who are with the Government] they shouldn't be here), but needs a reference or two to show you're not just making it up.
– Edwin Ashworth
May 29 at 18:56
2
@EdwinAshworth, what have you been smoking? To describe the workers as the president's "poster children" cannot be more incongruous with the intended meaning here, and it is anything but "the best answer here". A poster child is an exemplar of something - e.g. "a poster child for decadence" - not a pawn in some else's scheme (unless the scheme is the thing being exemplified: "a poster child for dishonesty and blatant public manipulation", which is not the sense intended in the given sentence). You would not say "they were the president's poster children for winning over public support".
– Steve
May 31 at 8:27
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The people appearing on stage are the speaker's pawns. Consider the definitions from Merriam-Webster:
1 : one of the chessmen of least value having the power to move only forward ordinarily one square at a time, to capture only diagonally forward, and to be promoted to any piece except a king upon reaching the eighth rank
2 : one that can be used to further the purposes of another
Literally, as in definition one, a pawn is a playing piece from the game of chess, often regarded as having little value but still able to be used strategically by a skilled player. Figuratively, as in definition two, a pawn is not unlike the chess piece, not really important, but able to be used by a shrewd and cunning political player to advance his or her agenda.
answered May 29 at 12:12
cobaltduckcobaltduck
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While this is true, it is also overly general and does not have any connotation of the specific scenario the OP envisions.
– eyeballfrog
May 29 at 20:25
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The term [Catspaw]1 (sometimes written "cat's paw") means a person who is unwittingly used as a tool by another person. It's similar to a pawn, but implies some gullibility on the part of the person being so used. The term supposedly originates from a fable about a monkey who tricks a cat into burning its paws for the monkey's gain.
No Nigel, I shan't be your catspaw in this matter. You must deal with the consequences yourself this time.
answered May 30 at 14:45
barbecuebarbecue
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Two different words, for two difference sentences.
Sentence: the workers were the president's dupes in attempt to win over public support.
From Merriam-Webster: A dupe is "one that is easily deceived or cheated".
Sentence: the president used the workers as props to win over public support.
See the @UnhandledExcepSean answer.
answered May 29 at 13:23
RonJohnRonJohn
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Two different questions, +1. My answers would be lackeys and scaffold. The title is a third question, that only makes sense in the context of the body. Alone, its answer is (every definition of) subservient.
– Mazura
May 29 at 20:54
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The expression smoke and mirrors may apply here:
Something that is described as smoke and mirrors is intended to make you believe that something is being done or is true, when it is not:
- The new budget isn't smoke and mirrors; it's an honest attempt to reduce the deficit.
(Cambridge Dictionary)
- the President used the workers as smoke and mirrors to win over public support.
answered May 28 at 20:06
user067531user067531
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A fig leaf (sometimes hyphenated) is something that is used to (figuratively) cover up something that you do not want seen:
something that conceals or camouflages, usually inadequately or dishonestly
So the second sentence would be
The president used the workers as a fig leaf to win over public support.
This is an allusion to the book of Genesis, in which Adam and Eve cover their nakedness with literal leaves from fig trees. It has come to connote a transparent attempt to distract from one's true motivations, e.g.:
“Is Russia really committed to a peace process or is it using the peace process as a fig leaf to try to deliver some kind of military victory for Assad that creates an Alawite mini state in the northwest of Syria?” Hammond told reporters in Rome.
"Britain says Russia trying to carve out mini-state for Assad in Syria", Reuters, 2016-02-02
The austerity agenda has been seized by the Tories as the fig leaf behind which to progressively underfund health and social care, creating today’s crisis.
"Jeremy Hunt is still clinging to his job because he has big plans for April", New Statesman, 2019-02-04
answered May 29 at 18:13
Michael SeifertMichael Seifert
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The word "claque" is close to what you want. It is defined bas a group of sycophantic followers, as in "The President was surrounded by a claque of scheming bureaucrats," or an organized body of professional applauders.
answered May 31 at 16:05
Joel CroteauJoel Croteau
1063 bronze badges
This implies that the third-party is in on the scheme. For the question's clarification I was looking for terms in which the third-party was innocent/ignorant of the plot. Perhaps my post really is asking for multiple words, as others have suggested.
– awsunit
Jun 1 at 18:35
"Pawns" might be a good word then. Or tokens. "Props" is probably the best.
– Joel Croteau
Jun 2 at 22:34
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10 Answers
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A shill is probably the nearest word, although like with Uncle Tom, it is difficult to avoid the connotation that the shills are knowing participants, or at least that in all the circumstances they ought to know.
You can also describe the role of the people involved. You could say they act as window dressing.
"The president used the workers as window dressing to win over public support."
Using this latter device tends to avoid the connotation that the people involved (the window dressing) are at fault.
edited May 28 at 20:33
user067531
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answered May 28 at 20:17
SteveSteve
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"Props" serves a similar function. To me, it conveys more of the cynicism of exploiting people that are shortly to be forgotten again until the next election.
– user888379
May 28 at 20:29
@user888379, props is a very good word!
– Steve
May 28 at 21:18
add a comment
|
A shill is probably the nearest word, although like with Uncle Tom, it is difficult to avoid the connotation that the shills are knowing participants, or at least that in all the circumstances they ought to know.
You can also describe the role of the people involved. You could say they act as window dressing.
"The president used the workers as window dressing to win over public support."
Using this latter device tends to avoid the connotation that the people involved (the window dressing) are at fault.
edited May 28 at 20:33
user067531
32.6k14 gold badges91 silver badges193 bronze badges
answered May 28 at 20:17
SteveSteve
5021 silver badge6 bronze badges
2
"Props" serves a similar function. To me, it conveys more of the cynicism of exploiting people that are shortly to be forgotten again until the next election.
– user888379
May 28 at 20:29
@user888379, props is a very good word!
– Steve
May 28 at 21:18
add a comment
|
A shill is probably the nearest word, although like with Uncle Tom, it is difficult to avoid the connotation that the shills are knowing participants, or at least that in all the circumstances they ought to know.
You can also describe the role of the people involved. You could say they act as window dressing.
"The president used the workers as window dressing to win over public support."
Using this latter device tends to avoid the connotation that the people involved (the window dressing) are at fault.
edited May 28 at 20:33
user067531
32.6k14 gold badges91 silver badges193 bronze badges
answered May 28 at 20:17
SteveSteve
5021 silver badge6 bronze badges
A shill is probably the nearest word, although like with Uncle Tom, it is difficult to avoid the connotation that the shills are knowing participants, or at least that in all the circumstances they ought to know.
You can also describe the role of the people involved. You could say they act as window dressing.
"The president used the workers as window dressing to win over public support."
Using this latter device tends to avoid the connotation that the people involved (the window dressing) are at fault.
edited May 28 at 20:33
user067531
32.6k14 gold badges91 silver badges193 bronze badges
answered May 28 at 20:17
SteveSteve
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edited May 28 at 20:33
user067531
32.6k14 gold badges91 silver badges193 bronze badges
edited May 28 at 20:33
user067531
32.6k14 gold badges91 silver badges193 bronze badges
edited May 28 at 20:33
user067531
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32.6k14 gold badges91 silver badges193 bronze badges
answered May 28 at 20:17
SteveSteve
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answered May 28 at 20:17
SteveSteve
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answered May 28 at 20:17
SteveSteve
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2
"Props" serves a similar function. To me, it conveys more of the cynicism of exploiting people that are shortly to be forgotten again until the next election.
– user888379
May 28 at 20:29
@user888379, props is a very good word!
– Steve
May 28 at 21:18
add a comment
|
2
"Props" serves a similar function. To me, it conveys more of the cynicism of exploiting people that are shortly to be forgotten again until the next election.
– user888379
May 28 at 20:29
@user888379, props is a very good word!
– Steve
May 28 at 21:18
2
2
"Props" serves a similar function. To me, it conveys more of the cynicism of exploiting people that are shortly to be forgotten again until the next election.
– user888379
May 28 at 20:29
"Props" serves a similar function. To me, it conveys more of the cynicism of exploiting people that are shortly to be forgotten again until the next election.
– user888379
May 28 at 20:29
@user888379, props is a very good word!
– Steve
May 28 at 21:18
@user888379, props is a very good word!
– Steve
May 28 at 21:18
add a comment
|
I like the word prop.
Prop: something used in creating or enhancing a desired effect
Often it has a negative association because it is generally used like "The President used the iron workers as props"; using frequently means to take advantage of.
answered May 29 at 13:04
UnhandledExcepSeanUnhandledExcepSean
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But sadly, it doesn't address the person/group a political party aligns themselves with or appearing concerned about the general public.
– Edwin Ashworth
May 29 at 18:53
Maybe, but it fits the examples cited by the OP. It seems to fit the intent of the post, if not the exact words.
– Cullub
May 30 at 18:01
add a comment
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I like the word prop.
Prop: something used in creating or enhancing a desired effect
Often it has a negative association because it is generally used like "The President used the iron workers as props"; using frequently means to take advantage of.
answered May 29 at 13:04
UnhandledExcepSeanUnhandledExcepSean
7014 silver badges7 bronze badges
1
But sadly, it doesn't address the person/group a political party aligns themselves with or appearing concerned about the general public.
– Edwin Ashworth
May 29 at 18:53
Maybe, but it fits the examples cited by the OP. It seems to fit the intent of the post, if not the exact words.
– Cullub
May 30 at 18:01
add a comment
|
I like the word prop.
Prop: something used in creating or enhancing a desired effect
Often it has a negative association because it is generally used like "The President used the iron workers as props"; using frequently means to take advantage of.
answered May 29 at 13:04
UnhandledExcepSeanUnhandledExcepSean
7014 silver badges7 bronze badges
I like the word prop.
Prop: something used in creating or enhancing a desired effect
Often it has a negative association because it is generally used like "The President used the iron workers as props"; using frequently means to take advantage of.
answered May 29 at 13:04
UnhandledExcepSeanUnhandledExcepSean
7014 silver badges7 bronze badges
answered May 29 at 13:04
UnhandledExcepSeanUnhandledExcepSean
7014 silver badges7 bronze badges
answered May 29 at 13:04
UnhandledExcepSeanUnhandledExcepSean
7014 silver badges7 bronze badges
answered May 29 at 13:04
UnhandledExcepSeanUnhandledExcepSean
7014 silver badges7 bronze badges
7014 silver badges7 bronze badges
1
But sadly, it doesn't address the person/group a political party aligns themselves with or appearing concerned about the general public.
– Edwin Ashworth
May 29 at 18:53
Maybe, but it fits the examples cited by the OP. It seems to fit the intent of the post, if not the exact words.
– Cullub
May 30 at 18:01
add a comment
|
1
But sadly, it doesn't address the person/group a political party aligns themselves with or appearing concerned about the general public.
– Edwin Ashworth
May 29 at 18:53
Maybe, but it fits the examples cited by the OP. It seems to fit the intent of the post, if not the exact words.
– Cullub
May 30 at 18:01
1
1
But sadly, it doesn't address the person/group a political party aligns themselves with or appearing concerned about the general public.
– Edwin Ashworth
May 29 at 18:53
But sadly, it doesn't address the person/group a political party aligns themselves with or appearing concerned about the general public.
– Edwin Ashworth
May 29 at 18:53
Maybe, but it fits the examples cited by the OP. It seems to fit the intent of the post, if not the exact words.
– Cullub
May 30 at 18:01
Maybe, but it fits the examples cited by the OP. It seems to fit the intent of the post, if not the exact words.
– Cullub
May 30 at 18:01
add a comment
|
Sentence: the workers were the president's token in attempt to win over public support.
Sentence: the president used the workers as a token to win over public support
token English Oxford Living Dictionaries
- a thing serving as a visible or tangible representation of a fact, quality, feeling, etc..
This term contains the inference of appearing to align per the given context without implying fault on the group being used.
answered May 28 at 20:41
David DDavid D
1,5361 silver badge11 bronze badges
1
Cf. token minority, which has a similar sense.
– TaliesinMerlin
May 28 at 20:46
3
Token doesn’t imply the attempt of the President to “use” workers just for his campaign, without any real concern for their fate.
– user067531
May 28 at 20:54
Never say something is to the OED that does not link to oed.com
– tchrist♦
Jun 2 at 22:26
add a comment
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Sentence: the workers were the president's token in attempt to win over public support.
Sentence: the president used the workers as a token to win over public support
token English Oxford Living Dictionaries
- a thing serving as a visible or tangible representation of a fact, quality, feeling, etc..
This term contains the inference of appearing to align per the given context without implying fault on the group being used.
answered May 28 at 20:41
David DDavid D
1,5361 silver badge11 bronze badges
1
Cf. token minority, which has a similar sense.
– TaliesinMerlin
May 28 at 20:46
3
Token doesn’t imply the attempt of the President to “use” workers just for his campaign, without any real concern for their fate.
– user067531
May 28 at 20:54
Never say something is to the OED that does not link to oed.com
– tchrist♦
Jun 2 at 22:26
add a comment
|
Sentence: the workers were the president's token in attempt to win over public support.
Sentence: the president used the workers as a token to win over public support
token English Oxford Living Dictionaries
- a thing serving as a visible or tangible representation of a fact, quality, feeling, etc..
This term contains the inference of appearing to align per the given context without implying fault on the group being used.
answered May 28 at 20:41
David DDavid D
1,5361 silver badge11 bronze badges
Sentence: the workers were the president's token in attempt to win over public support.
Sentence: the president used the workers as a token to win over public support
token English Oxford Living Dictionaries
- a thing serving as a visible or tangible representation of a fact, quality, feeling, etc..
This term contains the inference of appearing to align per the given context without implying fault on the group being used.
answered May 28 at 20:41
David DDavid D
1,5361 silver badge11 bronze badges
edited Jun 3 at 14:27
answered May 28 at 20:41
David DDavid D
1,5361 silver badge11 bronze badges
answered May 28 at 20:41
David DDavid D
1,5361 silver badge11 bronze badges
answered May 28 at 20:41
David DDavid D
1,5361 silver badge11 bronze badges
1,5361 silver badge11 bronze badges
1
Cf. token minority, which has a similar sense.
– TaliesinMerlin
May 28 at 20:46
3
Token doesn’t imply the attempt of the President to “use” workers just for his campaign, without any real concern for their fate.
– user067531
May 28 at 20:54
Never say something is to the OED that does not link to oed.com
– tchrist♦
Jun 2 at 22:26
add a comment
|
1
Cf. token minority, which has a similar sense.
– TaliesinMerlin
May 28 at 20:46
3
Token doesn’t imply the attempt of the President to “use” workers just for his campaign, without any real concern for their fate.
– user067531
May 28 at 20:54
Never say something is to the OED that does not link to oed.com
– tchrist♦
Jun 2 at 22:26
1
1
Cf. token minority, which has a similar sense.
– TaliesinMerlin
May 28 at 20:46
Cf. token minority, which has a similar sense.
– TaliesinMerlin
May 28 at 20:46
3
3
Token doesn’t imply the attempt of the President to “use” workers just for his campaign, without any real concern for their fate.
– user067531
May 28 at 20:54
Token doesn’t imply the attempt of the President to “use” workers just for his campaign, without any real concern for their fate.
– user067531
May 28 at 20:54
Never say something is to the OED that does not link to oed.com
– tchrist♦
Jun 2 at 22:26
Never say something is to the OED that does not link to oed.com
– tchrist♦
Jun 2 at 22:26
add a comment
|
I've usually heard them referred to as a "Poster Child," a reference to a proverbial propaganda poster.
someone or something that is used to represent a particular quality:
-Cambridge Dictionary online
edited May 29 at 19:57
Cascabel
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answered May 29 at 18:49
adamlaughlinadamlaughlin
912 bronze badges
2
This is probably has the makings of the best answer here (the rest are so general [or refer to the 'poster children' being pawns etc when they could just be the 1% who are with the Government] they shouldn't be here), but needs a reference or two to show you're not just making it up.
– Edwin Ashworth
May 29 at 18:56
2
@EdwinAshworth, what have you been smoking? To describe the workers as the president's "poster children" cannot be more incongruous with the intended meaning here, and it is anything but "the best answer here". A poster child is an exemplar of something - e.g. "a poster child for decadence" - not a pawn in some else's scheme (unless the scheme is the thing being exemplified: "a poster child for dishonesty and blatant public manipulation", which is not the sense intended in the given sentence). You would not say "they were the president's poster children for winning over public support".
– Steve
May 31 at 8:27
add a comment
|
I've usually heard them referred to as a "Poster Child," a reference to a proverbial propaganda poster.
someone or something that is used to represent a particular quality:
-Cambridge Dictionary online
edited May 29 at 19:57
Cascabel
10.7k6 gold badges38 silver badges68 bronze badges
answered May 29 at 18:49
adamlaughlinadamlaughlin
912 bronze badges
2
This is probably has the makings of the best answer here (the rest are so general [or refer to the 'poster children' being pawns etc when they could just be the 1% who are with the Government] they shouldn't be here), but needs a reference or two to show you're not just making it up.
– Edwin Ashworth
May 29 at 18:56
2
@EdwinAshworth, what have you been smoking? To describe the workers as the president's "poster children" cannot be more incongruous with the intended meaning here, and it is anything but "the best answer here". A poster child is an exemplar of something - e.g. "a poster child for decadence" - not a pawn in some else's scheme (unless the scheme is the thing being exemplified: "a poster child for dishonesty and blatant public manipulation", which is not the sense intended in the given sentence). You would not say "they were the president's poster children for winning over public support".
– Steve
May 31 at 8:27
add a comment
|
I've usually heard them referred to as a "Poster Child," a reference to a proverbial propaganda poster.
someone or something that is used to represent a particular quality:
-Cambridge Dictionary online
edited May 29 at 19:57
Cascabel
10.7k6 gold badges38 silver badges68 bronze badges
answered May 29 at 18:49
adamlaughlinadamlaughlin
912 bronze badges
I've usually heard them referred to as a "Poster Child," a reference to a proverbial propaganda poster.
someone or something that is used to represent a particular quality:
-Cambridge Dictionary online
edited May 29 at 19:57
Cascabel
10.7k6 gold badges38 silver badges68 bronze badges
answered May 29 at 18:49
adamlaughlinadamlaughlin
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edited May 29 at 19:57
Cascabel
10.7k6 gold badges38 silver badges68 bronze badges
edited May 29 at 19:57
Cascabel
10.7k6 gold badges38 silver badges68 bronze badges
edited May 29 at 19:57
Cascabel
10.7k6 gold badges38 silver badges68 bronze badges
10.7k6 gold badges38 silver badges68 bronze badges
answered May 29 at 18:49
adamlaughlinadamlaughlin
912 bronze badges
answered May 29 at 18:49
adamlaughlinadamlaughlin
912 bronze badges
answered May 29 at 18:49
adamlaughlinadamlaughlin
912 bronze badges
912 bronze badges
2
This is probably has the makings of the best answer here (the rest are so general [or refer to the 'poster children' being pawns etc when they could just be the 1% who are with the Government] they shouldn't be here), but needs a reference or two to show you're not just making it up.
– Edwin Ashworth
May 29 at 18:56
2
@EdwinAshworth, what have you been smoking? To describe the workers as the president's "poster children" cannot be more incongruous with the intended meaning here, and it is anything but "the best answer here". A poster child is an exemplar of something - e.g. "a poster child for decadence" - not a pawn in some else's scheme (unless the scheme is the thing being exemplified: "a poster child for dishonesty and blatant public manipulation", which is not the sense intended in the given sentence). You would not say "they were the president's poster children for winning over public support".
– Steve
May 31 at 8:27
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2
This is probably has the makings of the best answer here (the rest are so general [or refer to the 'poster children' being pawns etc when they could just be the 1% who are with the Government] they shouldn't be here), but needs a reference or two to show you're not just making it up.
– Edwin Ashworth
May 29 at 18:56
2
@EdwinAshworth, what have you been smoking? To describe the workers as the president's "poster children" cannot be more incongruous with the intended meaning here, and it is anything but "the best answer here". A poster child is an exemplar of something - e.g. "a poster child for decadence" - not a pawn in some else's scheme (unless the scheme is the thing being exemplified: "a poster child for dishonesty and blatant public manipulation", which is not the sense intended in the given sentence). You would not say "they were the president's poster children for winning over public support".
– Steve
May 31 at 8:27
2
2
This is probably has the makings of the best answer here (the rest are so general [or refer to the 'poster children' being pawns etc when they could just be the 1% who are with the Government] they shouldn't be here), but needs a reference or two to show you're not just making it up.
– Edwin Ashworth
May 29 at 18:56
This is probably has the makings of the best answer here (the rest are so general [or refer to the 'poster children' being pawns etc when they could just be the 1% who are with the Government] they shouldn't be here), but needs a reference or two to show you're not just making it up.
– Edwin Ashworth
May 29 at 18:56
2
2
@EdwinAshworth, what have you been smoking? To describe the workers as the president's "poster children" cannot be more incongruous with the intended meaning here, and it is anything but "the best answer here". A poster child is an exemplar of something - e.g. "a poster child for decadence" - not a pawn in some else's scheme (unless the scheme is the thing being exemplified: "a poster child for dishonesty and blatant public manipulation", which is not the sense intended in the given sentence). You would not say "they were the president's poster children for winning over public support".
– Steve
May 31 at 8:27
@EdwinAshworth, what have you been smoking? To describe the workers as the president's "poster children" cannot be more incongruous with the intended meaning here, and it is anything but "the best answer here". A poster child is an exemplar of something - e.g. "a poster child for decadence" - not a pawn in some else's scheme (unless the scheme is the thing being exemplified: "a poster child for dishonesty and blatant public manipulation", which is not the sense intended in the given sentence). You would not say "they were the president's poster children for winning over public support".
– Steve
May 31 at 8:27
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|
The people appearing on stage are the speaker's pawns. Consider the definitions from Merriam-Webster:
1 : one of the chessmen of least value having the power to move only forward ordinarily one square at a time, to capture only diagonally forward, and to be promoted to any piece except a king upon reaching the eighth rank
2 : one that can be used to further the purposes of another
Literally, as in definition one, a pawn is a playing piece from the game of chess, often regarded as having little value but still able to be used strategically by a skilled player. Figuratively, as in definition two, a pawn is not unlike the chess piece, not really important, but able to be used by a shrewd and cunning political player to advance his or her agenda.
answered May 29 at 12:12
cobaltduckcobaltduck
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1
While this is true, it is also overly general and does not have any connotation of the specific scenario the OP envisions.
– eyeballfrog
May 29 at 20:25
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The people appearing on stage are the speaker's pawns. Consider the definitions from Merriam-Webster:
1 : one of the chessmen of least value having the power to move only forward ordinarily one square at a time, to capture only diagonally forward, and to be promoted to any piece except a king upon reaching the eighth rank
2 : one that can be used to further the purposes of another
Literally, as in definition one, a pawn is a playing piece from the game of chess, often regarded as having little value but still able to be used strategically by a skilled player. Figuratively, as in definition two, a pawn is not unlike the chess piece, not really important, but able to be used by a shrewd and cunning political player to advance his or her agenda.
answered May 29 at 12:12
cobaltduckcobaltduck
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1
While this is true, it is also overly general and does not have any connotation of the specific scenario the OP envisions.
– eyeballfrog
May 29 at 20:25
add a comment
|
The people appearing on stage are the speaker's pawns. Consider the definitions from Merriam-Webster:
1 : one of the chessmen of least value having the power to move only forward ordinarily one square at a time, to capture only diagonally forward, and to be promoted to any piece except a king upon reaching the eighth rank
2 : one that can be used to further the purposes of another
Literally, as in definition one, a pawn is a playing piece from the game of chess, often regarded as having little value but still able to be used strategically by a skilled player. Figuratively, as in definition two, a pawn is not unlike the chess piece, not really important, but able to be used by a shrewd and cunning political player to advance his or her agenda.
answered May 29 at 12:12
cobaltduckcobaltduck
11.8k1 gold badge34 silver badges75 bronze badges
The people appearing on stage are the speaker's pawns. Consider the definitions from Merriam-Webster:
1 : one of the chessmen of least value having the power to move only forward ordinarily one square at a time, to capture only diagonally forward, and to be promoted to any piece except a king upon reaching the eighth rank
2 : one that can be used to further the purposes of another
Literally, as in definition one, a pawn is a playing piece from the game of chess, often regarded as having little value but still able to be used strategically by a skilled player. Figuratively, as in definition two, a pawn is not unlike the chess piece, not really important, but able to be used by a shrewd and cunning political player to advance his or her agenda.
answered May 29 at 12:12
cobaltduckcobaltduck
11.8k1 gold badge34 silver badges75 bronze badges
edited May 29 at 12:56
answered May 29 at 12:12
cobaltduckcobaltduck
11.8k1 gold badge34 silver badges75 bronze badges
answered May 29 at 12:12
cobaltduckcobaltduck
11.8k1 gold badge34 silver badges75 bronze badges
answered May 29 at 12:12
cobaltduckcobaltduck
11.8k1 gold badge34 silver badges75 bronze badges
11.8k1 gold badge34 silver badges75 bronze badges
1
While this is true, it is also overly general and does not have any connotation of the specific scenario the OP envisions.
– eyeballfrog
May 29 at 20:25
add a comment
|
1
While this is true, it is also overly general and does not have any connotation of the specific scenario the OP envisions.
– eyeballfrog
May 29 at 20:25
1
1
While this is true, it is also overly general and does not have any connotation of the specific scenario the OP envisions.
– eyeballfrog
May 29 at 20:25
While this is true, it is also overly general and does not have any connotation of the specific scenario the OP envisions.
– eyeballfrog
May 29 at 20:25
add a comment
|
The term [Catspaw]1 (sometimes written "cat's paw") means a person who is unwittingly used as a tool by another person. It's similar to a pawn, but implies some gullibility on the part of the person being so used. The term supposedly originates from a fable about a monkey who tricks a cat into burning its paws for the monkey's gain.
No Nigel, I shan't be your catspaw in this matter. You must deal with the consequences yourself this time.
answered May 30 at 14:45
barbecuebarbecue
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The term [Catspaw]1 (sometimes written "cat's paw") means a person who is unwittingly used as a tool by another person. It's similar to a pawn, but implies some gullibility on the part of the person being so used. The term supposedly originates from a fable about a monkey who tricks a cat into burning its paws for the monkey's gain.
No Nigel, I shan't be your catspaw in this matter. You must deal with the consequences yourself this time.
answered May 30 at 14:45
barbecuebarbecue
4,99812 silver badges30 bronze badges
add a comment
|
The term [Catspaw]1 (sometimes written "cat's paw") means a person who is unwittingly used as a tool by another person. It's similar to a pawn, but implies some gullibility on the part of the person being so used. The term supposedly originates from a fable about a monkey who tricks a cat into burning its paws for the monkey's gain.
No Nigel, I shan't be your catspaw in this matter. You must deal with the consequences yourself this time.
answered May 30 at 14:45
barbecuebarbecue
4,99812 silver badges30 bronze badges
The term [Catspaw]1 (sometimes written "cat's paw") means a person who is unwittingly used as a tool by another person. It's similar to a pawn, but implies some gullibility on the part of the person being so used. The term supposedly originates from a fable about a monkey who tricks a cat into burning its paws for the monkey's gain.
No Nigel, I shan't be your catspaw in this matter. You must deal with the consequences yourself this time.
answered May 30 at 14:45
barbecuebarbecue
4,99812 silver badges30 bronze badges
answered May 30 at 14:45
barbecuebarbecue
4,99812 silver badges30 bronze badges
answered May 30 at 14:45
barbecuebarbecue
4,99812 silver badges30 bronze badges
answered May 30 at 14:45
barbecuebarbecue
4,99812 silver badges30 bronze badges
4,99812 silver badges30 bronze badges
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Two different words, for two difference sentences.
Sentence: the workers were the president's dupes in attempt to win over public support.
From Merriam-Webster: A dupe is "one that is easily deceived or cheated".
Sentence: the president used the workers as props to win over public support.
See the @UnhandledExcepSean answer.
answered May 29 at 13:23
RonJohnRonJohn
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1
Two different questions, +1. My answers would be lackeys and scaffold. The title is a third question, that only makes sense in the context of the body. Alone, its answer is (every definition of) subservient.
– Mazura
May 29 at 20:54
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|
Two different words, for two difference sentences.
Sentence: the workers were the president's dupes in attempt to win over public support.
From Merriam-Webster: A dupe is "one that is easily deceived or cheated".
Sentence: the president used the workers as props to win over public support.
See the @UnhandledExcepSean answer.
answered May 29 at 13:23
RonJohnRonJohn
3563 silver badges11 bronze badges
1
Two different questions, +1. My answers would be lackeys and scaffold. The title is a third question, that only makes sense in the context of the body. Alone, its answer is (every definition of) subservient.
– Mazura
May 29 at 20:54
add a comment
|
Two different words, for two difference sentences.
Sentence: the workers were the president's dupes in attempt to win over public support.
From Merriam-Webster: A dupe is "one that is easily deceived or cheated".
Sentence: the president used the workers as props to win over public support.
See the @UnhandledExcepSean answer.
answered May 29 at 13:23
RonJohnRonJohn
3563 silver badges11 bronze badges
Two different words, for two difference sentences.
Sentence: the workers were the president's dupes in attempt to win over public support.
From Merriam-Webster: A dupe is "one that is easily deceived or cheated".
Sentence: the president used the workers as props to win over public support.
See the @UnhandledExcepSean answer.
answered May 29 at 13:23
RonJohnRonJohn
3563 silver badges11 bronze badges
answered May 29 at 13:23
RonJohnRonJohn
3563 silver badges11 bronze badges
answered May 29 at 13:23
RonJohnRonJohn
3563 silver badges11 bronze badges
answered May 29 at 13:23
RonJohnRonJohn
3563 silver badges11 bronze badges
3563 silver badges11 bronze badges
1
Two different questions, +1. My answers would be lackeys and scaffold. The title is a third question, that only makes sense in the context of the body. Alone, its answer is (every definition of) subservient.
– Mazura
May 29 at 20:54
add a comment
|
1
Two different questions, +1. My answers would be lackeys and scaffold. The title is a third question, that only makes sense in the context of the body. Alone, its answer is (every definition of) subservient.
– Mazura
May 29 at 20:54
1
1
Two different questions, +1. My answers would be lackeys and scaffold. The title is a third question, that only makes sense in the context of the body. Alone, its answer is (every definition of) subservient.
– Mazura
May 29 at 20:54
Two different questions, +1. My answers would be lackeys and scaffold. The title is a third question, that only makes sense in the context of the body. Alone, its answer is (every definition of) subservient.
– Mazura
May 29 at 20:54
add a comment
|
The expression smoke and mirrors may apply here:
Something that is described as smoke and mirrors is intended to make you believe that something is being done or is true, when it is not:
- The new budget isn't smoke and mirrors; it's an honest attempt to reduce the deficit.
(Cambridge Dictionary)
- the President used the workers as smoke and mirrors to win over public support.
answered May 28 at 20:06
user067531user067531
32.6k14 gold badges91 silver badges193 bronze badges
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The expression smoke and mirrors may apply here:
Something that is described as smoke and mirrors is intended to make you believe that something is being done or is true, when it is not:
- The new budget isn't smoke and mirrors; it's an honest attempt to reduce the deficit.
(Cambridge Dictionary)
- the President used the workers as smoke and mirrors to win over public support.
answered May 28 at 20:06
user067531user067531
32.6k14 gold badges91 silver badges193 bronze badges
add a comment
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The expression smoke and mirrors may apply here:
Something that is described as smoke and mirrors is intended to make you believe that something is being done or is true, when it is not:
- The new budget isn't smoke and mirrors; it's an honest attempt to reduce the deficit.
(Cambridge Dictionary)
- the President used the workers as smoke and mirrors to win over public support.
answered May 28 at 20:06
user067531user067531
32.6k14 gold badges91 silver badges193 bronze badges
The expression smoke and mirrors may apply here:
Something that is described as smoke and mirrors is intended to make you believe that something is being done or is true, when it is not:
- The new budget isn't smoke and mirrors; it's an honest attempt to reduce the deficit.
(Cambridge Dictionary)
- the President used the workers as smoke and mirrors to win over public support.
answered May 28 at 20:06
user067531user067531
32.6k14 gold badges91 silver badges193 bronze badges
answered May 28 at 20:06
user067531user067531
32.6k14 gold badges91 silver badges193 bronze badges
answered May 28 at 20:06
user067531user067531
32.6k14 gold badges91 silver badges193 bronze badges
answered May 28 at 20:06
user067531user067531
32.6k14 gold badges91 silver badges193 bronze badges
32.6k14 gold badges91 silver badges193 bronze badges
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A fig leaf (sometimes hyphenated) is something that is used to (figuratively) cover up something that you do not want seen:
something that conceals or camouflages, usually inadequately or dishonestly
So the second sentence would be
The president used the workers as a fig leaf to win over public support.
This is an allusion to the book of Genesis, in which Adam and Eve cover their nakedness with literal leaves from fig trees. It has come to connote a transparent attempt to distract from one's true motivations, e.g.:
“Is Russia really committed to a peace process or is it using the peace process as a fig leaf to try to deliver some kind of military victory for Assad that creates an Alawite mini state in the northwest of Syria?” Hammond told reporters in Rome.
"Britain says Russia trying to carve out mini-state for Assad in Syria", Reuters, 2016-02-02
The austerity agenda has been seized by the Tories as the fig leaf behind which to progressively underfund health and social care, creating today’s crisis.
"Jeremy Hunt is still clinging to his job because he has big plans for April", New Statesman, 2019-02-04
answered May 29 at 18:13
Michael SeifertMichael Seifert
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A fig leaf (sometimes hyphenated) is something that is used to (figuratively) cover up something that you do not want seen:
something that conceals or camouflages, usually inadequately or dishonestly
So the second sentence would be
The president used the workers as a fig leaf to win over public support.
This is an allusion to the book of Genesis, in which Adam and Eve cover their nakedness with literal leaves from fig trees. It has come to connote a transparent attempt to distract from one's true motivations, e.g.:
“Is Russia really committed to a peace process or is it using the peace process as a fig leaf to try to deliver some kind of military victory for Assad that creates an Alawite mini state in the northwest of Syria?” Hammond told reporters in Rome.
"Britain says Russia trying to carve out mini-state for Assad in Syria", Reuters, 2016-02-02
The austerity agenda has been seized by the Tories as the fig leaf behind which to progressively underfund health and social care, creating today’s crisis.
"Jeremy Hunt is still clinging to his job because he has big plans for April", New Statesman, 2019-02-04
answered May 29 at 18:13
Michael SeifertMichael Seifert
3,0769 silver badges24 bronze badges
add a comment
|
A fig leaf (sometimes hyphenated) is something that is used to (figuratively) cover up something that you do not want seen:
something that conceals or camouflages, usually inadequately or dishonestly
So the second sentence would be
The president used the workers as a fig leaf to win over public support.
This is an allusion to the book of Genesis, in which Adam and Eve cover their nakedness with literal leaves from fig trees. It has come to connote a transparent attempt to distract from one's true motivations, e.g.:
“Is Russia really committed to a peace process or is it using the peace process as a fig leaf to try to deliver some kind of military victory for Assad that creates an Alawite mini state in the northwest of Syria?” Hammond told reporters in Rome.
"Britain says Russia trying to carve out mini-state for Assad in Syria", Reuters, 2016-02-02
The austerity agenda has been seized by the Tories as the fig leaf behind which to progressively underfund health and social care, creating today’s crisis.
"Jeremy Hunt is still clinging to his job because he has big plans for April", New Statesman, 2019-02-04
answered May 29 at 18:13
Michael SeifertMichael Seifert
3,0769 silver badges24 bronze badges
A fig leaf (sometimes hyphenated) is something that is used to (figuratively) cover up something that you do not want seen:
something that conceals or camouflages, usually inadequately or dishonestly
So the second sentence would be
The president used the workers as a fig leaf to win over public support.
This is an allusion to the book of Genesis, in which Adam and Eve cover their nakedness with literal leaves from fig trees. It has come to connote a transparent attempt to distract from one's true motivations, e.g.:
“Is Russia really committed to a peace process or is it using the peace process as a fig leaf to try to deliver some kind of military victory for Assad that creates an Alawite mini state in the northwest of Syria?” Hammond told reporters in Rome.
"Britain says Russia trying to carve out mini-state for Assad in Syria", Reuters, 2016-02-02
The austerity agenda has been seized by the Tories as the fig leaf behind which to progressively underfund health and social care, creating today’s crisis.
"Jeremy Hunt is still clinging to his job because he has big plans for April", New Statesman, 2019-02-04
answered May 29 at 18:13
Michael SeifertMichael Seifert
3,0769 silver badges24 bronze badges
answered May 29 at 18:13
Michael SeifertMichael Seifert
3,0769 silver badges24 bronze badges
answered May 29 at 18:13
Michael SeifertMichael Seifert
3,0769 silver badges24 bronze badges
answered May 29 at 18:13
Michael SeifertMichael Seifert
3,0769 silver badges24 bronze badges
3,0769 silver badges24 bronze badges
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The word "claque" is close to what you want. It is defined bas a group of sycophantic followers, as in "The President was surrounded by a claque of scheming bureaucrats," or an organized body of professional applauders.
answered May 31 at 16:05
Joel CroteauJoel Croteau
1063 bronze badges
This implies that the third-party is in on the scheme. For the question's clarification I was looking for terms in which the third-party was innocent/ignorant of the plot. Perhaps my post really is asking for multiple words, as others have suggested.
– awsunit
Jun 1 at 18:35
"Pawns" might be a good word then. Or tokens. "Props" is probably the best.
– Joel Croteau
Jun 2 at 22:34
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The word "claque" is close to what you want. It is defined bas a group of sycophantic followers, as in "The President was surrounded by a claque of scheming bureaucrats," or an organized body of professional applauders.
answered May 31 at 16:05
Joel CroteauJoel Croteau
1063 bronze badges
This implies that the third-party is in on the scheme. For the question's clarification I was looking for terms in which the third-party was innocent/ignorant of the plot. Perhaps my post really is asking for multiple words, as others have suggested.
– awsunit
Jun 1 at 18:35
"Pawns" might be a good word then. Or tokens. "Props" is probably the best.
– Joel Croteau
Jun 2 at 22:34
add a comment
|
The word "claque" is close to what you want. It is defined bas a group of sycophantic followers, as in "The President was surrounded by a claque of scheming bureaucrats," or an organized body of professional applauders.
answered May 31 at 16:05
Joel CroteauJoel Croteau
1063 bronze badges
The word "claque" is close to what you want. It is defined bas a group of sycophantic followers, as in "The President was surrounded by a claque of scheming bureaucrats," or an organized body of professional applauders.
answered May 31 at 16:05
Joel CroteauJoel Croteau
1063 bronze badges
answered May 31 at 16:05
Joel CroteauJoel Croteau
1063 bronze badges
answered May 31 at 16:05
Joel CroteauJoel Croteau
1063 bronze badges
answered May 31 at 16:05
Joel CroteauJoel Croteau
1063 bronze badges
1063 bronze badges
This implies that the third-party is in on the scheme. For the question's clarification I was looking for terms in which the third-party was innocent/ignorant of the plot. Perhaps my post really is asking for multiple words, as others have suggested.
– awsunit
Jun 1 at 18:35
"Pawns" might be a good word then. Or tokens. "Props" is probably the best.
– Joel Croteau
Jun 2 at 22:34
add a comment
|
This implies that the third-party is in on the scheme. For the question's clarification I was looking for terms in which the third-party was innocent/ignorant of the plot. Perhaps my post really is asking for multiple words, as others have suggested.
– awsunit
Jun 1 at 18:35
"Pawns" might be a good word then. Or tokens. "Props" is probably the best.
– Joel Croteau
Jun 2 at 22:34
This implies that the third-party is in on the scheme. For the question's clarification I was looking for terms in which the third-party was innocent/ignorant of the plot. Perhaps my post really is asking for multiple words, as others have suggested.
– awsunit
Jun 1 at 18:35
This implies that the third-party is in on the scheme. For the question's clarification I was looking for terms in which the third-party was innocent/ignorant of the plot. Perhaps my post really is asking for multiple words, as others have suggested.
– awsunit
Jun 1 at 18:35
"Pawns" might be a good word then. Or tokens. "Props" is probably the best.
– Joel Croteau
Jun 2 at 22:34
"Pawns" might be a good word then. Or tokens. "Props" is probably the best.
– Joel Croteau
Jun 2 at 22:34
add a comment
|
protected by tchrist♦ Jun 2 at 22:25
Thank you for your interest in this question.
Because it has attracted low-quality or spam answers that had to be removed, posting an answer now requires 10 reputation on this site (the association bonus does not count).
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Jun 2 at 22:28