stalking-horse
- n a candidate put forward to divide the Opposition or to mask the true candidate
- n something serving to conceal plans; a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason
- n screen consisting of a figure of a horse behind which a hunter hides while stalking game
- n a horse behind which a hunter hides while stalking game
- McMahan demanded that the Senator withdraw his stalking-horse charge.
- Brawny, drawling Sam Hobbs, union-hating Alabama Democrat, drew the bill, stalking-horse for other labor measures to come.
- They stand little chance, but could serve as a stalking-horse for a more viable candidate, such as Heseltine or Portillo.