stalking-horse

柯林斯词典

1. N-COUNT 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. 掩护; 借口[表不满]
I think the development is a stalking horse for exploitation of the surrounding countryside. 我认为开发只是一个借口，目的是想攫取周围农村地区的资源。
2. N-COUNT In politics, a stalking horse is someone who runs against a leader in order to see how strong the opposition is. The stalking horse then withdraws in favour of a stronger challenger. (政治竞争中为摸清对手实力而推出的)掩护性候选人[oft N n]
The possibility of another stalking horse challenge this autumn cannot be ruled out. 今年秋季可能会再次推出一名掩护性候选人出来挑战，不排除这种可能性。