straw mannoun [ C ]
uk/ˌstrɔː ˈmæn/us/ˌstrɑː ˈmæn/also man of straw UKstraw man noun [ C ] (ARGUMENT)
an argument, claim, or opponent that is invented in order to win or create an argument:
The idea that national identity will be lost as a result of European integration is just a straw man which he is wasting his time fighting.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Ideas, concepts and theories
- abstract
- afterthought
- brainchild
- concept
- conception
- construct
- dogma
- fancy
- inspiration
- intellectual property
- IP
- ism
- meat
- proposition
- propositional
- punctuated equilibrium
- sacred cow
- tenet
- the domino theory
- thrust
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straw man noun [ C ] (CRIME)
someone, often an imaginary person, who is used to hide an illegal or secret activity:
The fraud depended on hundreds of bank accounts being opened on behalf of straw men.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Miscellaneous criminals
- arson
- bigamy
- black hat
- black market
- blackmail
- fence
- fire starter
- fire-raising
- fly-posting
- forger
- pickpocket
- pirate
- plagiarize
- plunder
- poacher
- stowaway
- suicide bomber
- swindle
- terrorist
- thief
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