Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun cat's-paw

2 senses of cat's-paw

Sense 1
instrument, pawn, cat's-paw -- (a person used by another to gain an end)
       => assistant, helper, help, supporter -- (a person who contributes to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose; "my invaluable assistant"; "they hired additional help to finish the work")

Sense 2
cat's-paw -- (a hitch in the middle of rope that has two eyes into which tackle can be hooked)
       => hitch -- (a knot that can be undone by pulling against the strain that holds it; a temporary knot)