lay figure

lay figure

noun

Definition of LAY FIGURE

one that is or can be used to further the purposes of another <the novel's characters are not fully fleshed humans, but are simply lay figures strutted out to serve as mouthpieces for conflicting points of view>

Synonyms cat's-paw, instrument, lay figure, puppet, tool

Related Words chump, dupe, foil, gull, sucker, victim; minion, stooge; lap dog, yes-man