pawns Definition
- 1a chess piece of the smallest size and least value
- 2a person used by others for their own purposes
Using pawns: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "pawns" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The pawns are the most numerous pieces on the chessboard.
Example
He was just a pawn in their political game.
Example
She felt like a pawn in her boss's hands.
pawns Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using pawns
Example
She realized she was just a pawn in his political game.
Example
The company's strategy was moving like a pawn, with no clear direction or innovation.
Example
He pawned his soul to climb the corporate ladder.
Phrases with pawns
Example
He tried to pawn off his old car as new.
Example
I sold my old guitar at the pawn shop.
Example
I lost my pawn ticket, so I couldn't get my watch back.
Origins of pawns
from Old French 'paon', meaning 'foot soldier'
Summary: pawns in Brief
The term 'pawns' [pɔːnz] refers to the smallest and least valuable chess pieces, as well as people who are used by others for their own purposes. Examples include 'The pawns are the most numerous pieces on the chessboard.' and 'She felt like a pawn in her boss's hands.' 'Pawns' extends into phrases like 'pawn off,' and idioms like 'a pawn in someone's game,' denoting being used for personal gain, and 'move like a pawn,' implying predictability.
