English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Man of straw
Meaning
The "man of straw" is an idiom that means a person who is easily attacked or criticized, often because they are weak or vulnerable. The phrase originated from the medieval practice of building effigies out of straw for use in mock trials and public executions. These effigies were used as a substitute for the real person being accused, allowing people to vent their anger and frustration without fear of legal repercussions.
In contemporary language, the idiom "man of straw" is used to describe someone who is easily criticized or attacked because they are perceived as weak or vulnerable. The phrase can also be used to describe someone who is not taken seriously or respected by others due to their perceived lack of substance or character.
Usage
- The criticism leveled against the political candidate was brutal, but it was all just straw.
- The company accused of wrongdoing has been described as a man of straw by its former employees.
- The victim of the crime was seen as a man of straw by the prosecution.
- The football team's chances of winning were slim, as they were considered a man of straw by their opponents.
- The new CEO's leadership was criticized for being too much like a man of straw.
Roots and History
The idiom "man of straw" is believed to have originated from the medieval practice of building effigies out of straw for use in mock trials and public executions. These effigies were used as a substitute for the real person being accused, allowing people to vent their anger and frustration without fear of legal repercussions.
Synonyms in English
- Easy target
- Scapegoat
- Foolish target
- Weakling
- Vulnerable
Synonyms in other languages
- French: "homme en paille" - translated as "man of straw"
- German: "Scheinstruwwel" - translated as "straw doll"
- Spanish: "paja" - translated as "straw"
- Italian: "fiocco di paglia" - translated as "bunch of straw"
- Russian: "безкостяг" - translated as "worthless"