Scarecrow

/ˈskɛrˌkroʊ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A figure, often made of straw and old clothes, set up in fields to deter birds and other animals from eating crops.

The farmer installed a scarecrow in the cornfield to keep the crows away.

A person or thing that serves as a mere pretense or a cover, often to distract or mislead.

The politician was seen as a scarecrow, lacking real power and merely serving the interests of his party.

A person who is physically weak or ineffective.

He looked like a scarecrow after losing so much weight during his illness.

The word 'scarecrow' is a compound of 'scare' and 'crow', dating back to the late 19th century.

as useless as a scarecrow

Describes something that is ineffective or serves no purpose.

scarecrow tactics

Strategies aimed at intimidating or deterring others.

decoy

An object designed to lure animals or people into a trap.

harvest

The process of gathering mature crops from the fields.

A term for someone who is perceived as silly or incompetent.

Don't be such a scarecrow, just go and ask her out!

A reference to someone who stands around doing nothing.

He was just a scarecrow, watching everyone else work at the party.