cat's paw

The phrase "cat's paw" originated from an ancient fable in which a cat uses the ploy of a monkey's paw to retrieve chestnuts from a fire. In a general sense, "cat's paw" refers to someone who is being used by another person to further their own interests without the cat's awareness or benefit. It conveys the idea of a pawn or instrument that can be manipulated by someone else to accomplish their goals, often without fully understanding the consequences or being fully aware of their role.