scarecrow
UK: ˈskeəkrəʊ | US: ˈskerkroʊ
n. an object made to resemble a human figure, set up to scare birds away from crops
n. (figuratively) a person or thing that appears frightening but is harmless
The word "scarecrow" combines "scare" (an older variant of "scare," meaning to frighten) and "crow" (a bird known for damaging crops). Originally, scarecrows were literal "crow-scarers," designed to mimic humans and deter birds. Over time, the term expanded metaphorically to describe anything superficially intimidating but ultimately powerless. The logic is straightforward: the object’s purpose (scaring crows) is embedded in its name.
The farmer placed a scarecrow in the field to protect his corn.
Despite its ragged appearance, the scarecrow was ineffective against the clever crows.
He’s just a political scarecrow—loud but with no real authority.
The children giggled at the floppy hat on the old scarecrow.
A scarecrow’s job is to deceive, not to harm.