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Translate files 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.
Etymology
The word 'scarecrow' is a compound of 'scare' and 'crow', dating back to the late 19th century.
Common Phrases and Expressions
as useless as a scarecrow:
Describes something that is ineffective or serves no purpose.
scarecrow tactics:
Strategies aimed at intimidating or deterring others.
Related Words
Slang Meanings
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.