straw man

(noun) a person used as a cover for some questionable activity. Synonyms: front man, front, figurehead, nominal head, straw man, strawman.

(noun) a weak or sham argument set up to be easily refuted. Synonyms: straw man, strawman.

(noun) an effigy in the shape of a man to frighten birds away from seeds. Synonyms: scarecrow, straw man, strawman, bird-scarer, scarer.