( stalking horses)
1.
If you describe a person or thing as a stalking horse , you mean that it is being used to obtain a temporary advantage so that someone can get what they really want.
I think the development is a stalking horse for exploitation of the surrounding countryside.
N-COUNT [ disapproval ]
2.
In politics, a stalking horse is someone who stands against a leader in order to see how strong the opposition is. The stalking horse then withdraws in favour of a stronger challenger.
The possibility of another stalking horse challenge this autumn cannot be ruled out.
N-COUNT : oft N n