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straw man

noun [C] (ARGUMENT)
 
 
(also man of straw) mainly UK

Definition

an argument, claim, or opponent that is invented in order to win or create an argument: The idea that national identity will be lost as a result of European integration is just a man of straw which he is wasting his time fighting.Ideas, concepts and theories
(Definition of straw man noun (ARGUMENT) from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)
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