(~s)
1.
If you describe a person or thing as a ~, 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 ~ for exploitation of the surrounding countryside.
N-COUNT disapproval
2.
In politics, a ~ is someone who stands against a leader in order to see how strong the opposition is. The ~ then withdraws in favour of a stronger challenger.
The possibility of another ~ challenge this autumn cannot be ruled out.
N-COUNT: oft N n