puppet leader
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A puppet leader is a person who is placed in a position of leadership, such as the head of a government, but whose actions and decisions are actually controlled by a more powerful person or group behind the scenes. The leader has the title and appearance of authority but lacks real, independent power.
Usage
The term is used to describe a figurehead whose rule is directed by an external or internal controlling force, often a despot, foreign power, or military authority. It carries a strong negative connotation, implying illegitimacy and a lack of sovereignty.
Examples
- The international community condemned the election, viewing the new president as nothing more than a puppet leader for the neighboring empire.
- Throughout history, colonizing powers have often installed puppet leaders to govern territories while ensuring policies benefited the colonizer.
- The documentary explored how the general ruled the country through a series of puppet leaders in the civilian government.
Advanced Usage
- "To be a puppet leader": This phrase describes the state of being controlled.
- It was an open secret that the prime minister was a puppet leader, taking orders from the military council.
- "To install/place a puppet leader": This describes the action of the controlling power.
- After the invasion, the goal was to install a puppet leader who would be friendly to their interests.
Variants and Related Words
- Puppet government / Puppet regime (n): The entire administration or system of rule that is controlled by an external power. A puppet leader typically heads a puppet government.
- The rebel group vowed to overthrow the puppet government.
- Puppet ruler (n): A synonym for puppet leader, often used in historical or monarchical contexts.
- Figurehead (n): A leader who holds a title but has little real power or responsibility. While similar, a "figurehead" may not always imply the same degree of malicious external control as a "puppet leader."
- Marionette (n): Literally a puppet on strings; used metaphorically to describe a person whose actions are controlled by others.
Synonyms
- Figurehead
- Stooge (informal, derogatory)
- Front man
- Proxy ruler
Antonyms
- Sovereign leader
- Independent ruler
- Autonomous head of state
Related Idioms and Phrases
- To be someone's puppet: To be completely controlled by someone else.
- The CEO is widely seen as being the board chairman's puppet.
- A puppet on a string: Emphasizes the complete lack of free will, as if being physically manipulated.
- The journalist argued that the chancellor was merely a puppet on a string for the industrial lobbyists.
Noun
- a leader or ruler who is chosen by a despot to head a government