puppet

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'puppet' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a puppet or doll, a person manipulated by someone else, or a person or organization that is controlled by someone else. Example sentence: The President of the country was merely a puppet of the military.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Through the medium of the puppet, the child finds himself/herself able to express thoughts, ideas and feelings that he/she otherwise could not have.

The Guardian

Mattie Faint has been a professional clown since he was 17 when, as a theatre student up from Plymouth, he got a gig as a grease-painted human signpost for a puppet show in London.

The Guardian

Littlemore asked: "Because you didn't want to appear to be his puppet?" To which Keneally replied: "Because I didn't like him".

The Guardian

Die Welt said Tsipras may not be the worst choice to lead Greece on to the "right path", adding: "What could make him an unexpected reformer is pure necessity… In contrast to the established parties in the country, he is not seen as a puppet of the foreign leaders - also due to the criticism he directs at Brussels and Berlin.

The Guardian

"We had a puppet rat to do that".

The Guardian - Film

I collected some scrap wood and built myself a puppet theatre.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Related: Experience: I watched my friend executed on death row Big Bird is actually a puppet; my right arm is his neck, and my right hand moves his head, with my little finger controlling his eyebrows, moving them up and down to show when he's thinking.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When I was eight, I bought my first puppet.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The overwhelming sentiment of Pakistanis is that the road to Islamabad, their nation's capital, runs through the White House, with President Asif Ali Zardari as America's puppet.

The Guardian - Opinion

But for the bomb she should have compounded the offence, dismissing Kinnock, the Labour leader whose reformist courage should have commanded respect, as a puppet of the hard left – the "enemies of freedom" who sought to overthrow democratic institutions.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Its current programme, including a one-woman hand-puppet and pop music version of Faust and a production of Neil LaBute's This Is How It Goes, and its recent series Science and Theatre, shows its range.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "puppet" in a political context, ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider whether "figurehead" or "mouthpiece" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "puppet" too frequently as a metaphor. Overuse can weaken the impact and make your writing seem repetitive. Use a thesaurus to find alternative terms.

Linguistic Context

The word "puppet" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a manipulated figure, literally in a puppet show or figuratively referring to a person or entity controlled by another. Ludwig's examples showcase its application in both contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Opinion

15%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Sport

5%

Books

3%

Tech

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "puppet" is a versatile noun with both literal and figurative meanings. It can refer to a physical puppet, like a marionette, or, more commonly, to a person or entity controlled by another. As Ludwig's analysis and examples from news media, lifestyle articles, and opinion pieces demonstrate, the term "puppet" is very common, used frequently to express a lack of autonomy and external influence. The analysis confirms that the term is grammatically correct and widely understood, while cautioning against overuse and emphasizing the importance of contextual clarity when using the term metaphorically.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

marionette

Specifically refers to a puppet controlled from above by strings.

figurehead

Implies a leader who has no real power and is controlled by others.

tool

Highlights the use of someone or something to achieve a specific purpose, often without their own agency.

instrument

Similar to tool, suggesting a passive role in carrying out another's intentions.

pawn

Emphasizes the expendability of the manipulated individual or entity.

stooge

Informal term for someone used by another, often unknowingly.

mouthpiece

Refers to someone who expresses the opinions or ideas of others.

cat's-paw

Someone used as a dupe; person used to do another's dirty work.

dummy

Suggests a person easily fooled or manipulated.

underling

Implies someone in a subordinate position who follows orders without question.

FAQs

How can I use "puppet" in a sentence?

You can use "puppet" to refer to a literal puppet in a show, as in "The children were delighted by the puppet show", or metaphorically, as in "The prime minister was seen as a puppet of the corporations".

What are some synonyms for "puppet" when referring to a manipulated person?

Alternatives include "figurehead", "mouthpiece", "tool", or "pawn" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to call a political leader a "puppet"?

While calling a political leader a "puppet" is common in political discourse, it's important to consider the impact. The term carries a strong negative connotation, implying a lack of autonomy and integrity. Be mindful of the potential for offense or exaggeration.

What's the difference between "puppet" and "marionette"?

"Puppet" is a general term for any manipulated figure. "Marionette" is a specific type of puppet that is controlled from above using strings. Therefore, all marionettes are puppets, but not all puppets are marionettes.