fantoche
1. A doll or figure moved by strings or hands to create the illusion of movement and life in a performance
The children watched the puppet show with amazement.
As crianças assistiram ao espetáculo de fantoches com admiração.
2. A person who is controlled or manipulated by another person or force
He felt like a puppet, unable to make his own decisions.
Ele se sentia como um fantoche, incapaz de tomar suas próprias decisões.
3. A government or state that is controlled by another power
The country became a puppet state during the occupation.
O país se tornou um estado fantoche durante a ocupação.
In Brazilian culture, 'fantoche' is used both literally for theatrical puppets (common in children's entertainment and street performances) and metaphorically for political manipulation or loss of autonomy. The term carries strong political connotations when discussing governments or leaders controlled by external forces, reflecting Brazil's history of political turbulence.
NYC Slang
puppet can mean a person being used or controlled; 'Don't be a puppet' means don't let others control you
Related Idioms & Phrases
pull someone's strings like a puppet
puppet master (the person controlling others)
cut the strings (gain independence from control)
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