clay pigeon

clay pigeon

A person who is easily exploited, deceived, or taken advantage of, especially due to being in a position of vulnerability. Likened to the clay pigeons (small clay discs) used as targets in trapshooting. Primarily heard in US, South Africa. He was used as a clay pigeon by the mafia, who laundered money through his accounts.
See also: clay, pigeon
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

clay pigeon

A person easily duped or taken advantage of, as in You're a clay pigeon for all of those telephone fund-raisers. The term alludes to the clay pigeon of trapshooting, which replaced the use of live birds in this sport in the 1860s. Its transfer to figurative use in the first half of the 1900s probably is explained by the much older slang use of pigeon for "dupe." Also see fall guy.
See also: clay, pigeon
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

clay pigeon

n. a gullible person; a pigeon. (Underworld.) We need a clay pigeon to divert attention from the snatch.
See also: clay, pigeon
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • clay
  • there's one born every minute
  • greenhorn
  • be born yesterday
  • get (one's) rocks off on (something)
  • drool bucket
  • speak the same language
  • speak the same language, to
  • speak/talk the same/a different language
  • thumb on the scale
References in periodicals archive
Retired police officer Gwyn Bevan, 60, from Albrighton, is a qualified clay pigeon shooting coach who has been doing the sport for half a century.
Why more young guns are turning to shooting; The recent success of the British Olympic team has seen interest in the sport continue to grow, with new clubs popping up all over the country
If you happen to have one of those old clay pigeon throwers laying around, buy some discs from Kurgo and use the thrower you have.
Wingaing it: the Winga is a great tool for flinging discs farther, increasing your dog's fetching distance
The estate holds an annual clay pigeon shoot in which over 200 teams from all over the UK competed against each other over a three-day weekend.
Clay pigeon shoot raises thousands for ambulance
Clay pigeon shooters James Sutton, left, and his father Raymond, from Sutton Coldfield.
Family act's twin medal haul
John Marshall, vice chairman of Bond Dickinson said: "We are proud to support The Prince's Trust through our charity clay pigeon shoot in aid of disadvantaged young people across the North East.
SHOOT HITS TARGET FOR THE PRINCE'S TRUST
TEESSIDERS are invited to a clay pigeon shoot to raise money for Help for Heroes.
Shoot set to raise crucial cash for charity
London, Mar 17( ANI ): Bolton Wanderers captain Nigel Reo-Coker, who is also a good deadeye clay pigeon shooter, is hoping to see off Tottenham Spurs' challenge in the FA Cup quarterfinals at White Hart Lane on Saturday.
'Good shot' Reo-Coker sets his eyes on Spurs' challenge in FA Cup quarters
SHOTGUN ammunition has been stolen from a clay pigeon range in Lutterworth, near Rugby.
Shotgun ammo stolen from range
Laser clay pigeon shooting is an electronic way of enjoying traditional clay pigeon shooting.
Hitting the target with laser shooting; ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
SEAN HIGGINS proved himself a crack shot when St Johnstone stars held a team bonding clay pigeon shoot.
TOP GUN SEAN OUT TO SHOOT DOWN THE DONS; COUNTDOWN TO THE BIG KICK-OFF
September 18 Take up the challenge and enjoy a day of clay pigeon shooting along with the chance to network and raise funds for Clatterbridge Cancer Research.
Dates for your Diary
Crosman even secured the rights to a clay pigeon launcher that the operator sat upon and pulled the arm back for each clay pigeon, just like regular firearm clay pigeons.
When Crosman made a shotgun
Don't miss the bouncy pirate ship and laser clay pigeon shooting.
Daft fools are up for a laugh; BRITISH DAYS OUT
It may have been an extremely fortunate decision for the 44-year-old from Pensnett, Dudley, to choose to take up clay pigeon shooting as now his four children have discovered a natural talent for the sport and hope to make it to the 2012 Olympics.
Sibling riflery; A family who took up clay pigeon shooting during the foot-and-mouth crisis are pursuing an Olympic dream. Victoria Farncombe reports