strawman

• Существительное с несколькими значениями: человек, используемый как прикрытие для сомнительной деятельности; слабый или ложный аргумент, выдвигаемый для лёгкого опровержения; или чучело в форме человека, используемое для отпугивания птиц от семян.

A noun with multiple meanings: a person used as a cover for questionable activity; a weak or sham argument set up to be easily refuted; or an effigy in the shape of a man used to frighten birds away from seeds.

1. Cover or front personB2formal

   A person used as a front or a cover to hide the true nature of a questionable or illegal activity.

   Подставное лицо

   • The company used a strawman to hide their real ownership.
   • He was just a strawman for the corrupt officials behind the scheme.
   • The investigation revealed that the nominee was a strawman for the real investors.

   Synonymscoverdummyfigureheadfrontfront manpawnpuppetstooge

2. Weak argumentB2formal

   A deliberately weak or false argument that is set up to be easily defeated or refuted, often used in debates.

   Соломенное чучело

   • The politician used a strawman argument to distract from the real issue.
   • Attacking a strawman version of your opponent's position is a common fallacy.
   • His entire speech was built on a strawman that no one actually believed.

   Synonymsdecoyset upstraw man

3. ScarecrowB1formal

   An effigy made to resemble a human figure, traditionally used in fields to scare birds away from crops.

   Пугало

   • The farmer placed a strawman in the middle of the cornfield.
   • Children helped build a strawman for the harvest festival.
   • The old strawman was tattered and worn from years of rain and wind.

   Synonymsscarecrow