Something made of straw is insubstantial, hence not authoritative, a middleman without real executive power. A straw boss is a boss who is just rrelaying the control of a real boss. From the American Heritage:"A worker who acts as a boss or crew leader in addition to performing regular duties"

Like a paper tiger. Related to a "straw man", an argument without much substance.

Am Her offers for "straw": 4a. Something of minimal value or importance. b. Something with too little substance to provide support in a crisis: Near the end we were grasping at straws.


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