rag doll

rag doll

1. noun Literally, a doll made of, and typically stuffed with, cloth. Originally made with scraps as an inexpensive way of making a toy for a child. Because of its floppy limbs, it is often used in similes to describe someone flailing or being thrown around in a violent, overpowering manner. It isn't much to look at, but this rag doll that my grandmother made me while we were at our poorest is one of my most treasured possessions. The dog got ahold of the raccoon and shook the poor thing back and forth like a rag doll.
2. noun A weak, incompetent, or irresolute person. Despite his strong promises during his election campaign, the new president has so far been something of a rag doll when it comes to foreign policy. His boyfriend is a bit of a rag doll, isn't he? Just kind of sits there, going along with whatever Tony wants.
3. verb, slang To crumple into a limp, lifeless form. Sometimes hyphenated. After getting hit in the head, he rag dolled and remained totally motionless for almost a minute. The site of the hiker rag-dolling down the side of the steep hill was horrifying.
4. verb, slang To cause someone to crumple into a limp, lifeless form. Sometimes hyphenated. With one mighty punch, the boxer rag-dolled his opponent and was declared the world champion. The linebacker has become infamous for rag dolling other players with his intense tackles.
See also: doll, rag
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

rag doll

A limp, ineffectual person, as in You won't get a decision from her; she's a rag doll when it comes to making up her mind . This expression transfers the limpness of a soft doll made from scraps of cloth to human behavior. [Mid-1800s]
See also: doll, rag
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
See also:
  • make it (to something or some place)
  • make it some place
  • make it to
  • be made for (someone or something)
  • made for
  • be made that way
  • have (something) made
  • have it made
  • have made
  • make sick
References in periodicals archive
"She describes Molly being thrown around like a rag doll by the other dog."
Dog owner's horror after pet was thrown 'around like a rag doll' by Staffie outside supermarket; Michael McStay's Straffordshire Bull Terrier had escaped his Benwell home and attacked another dog
He added: "I only saw her when I hit her - she went up like a rag doll."
PREGNANT WOMAN HIT BY CAR ON CROSSING; Accident victim escaped serious injury
Another young girl, aged 14 months, was carried by the nursery nurse like a 'rag doll' by one arm on to a mat, while a third was held in the air by her left arm as she was carried out of the room.
NURSE ASSAULTED TOTS IN HER CARE
"He was throwing my dog around like a rag doll," Mr Jones told police.
Spaniel shaken 'like a rag doll' Dog who attacked pet after escaping could be put down
That's until now, though, unless I'm having a senior moment, no one has dreamed up a scenario where the survivors are a raggle taggle crew of rag dolls.
NUMBERS GAME; Weird and wonderful rag doll animation is perfect for kids and adults alike
They were pulling on him just like you do a rag doll.'
Boy, 8, killed by dad's dogs
Witness Meryl Rice, 46, of Charles Lakin Close, whose daughter Lauren Jade uses the bus, said: "She was like a rag doll and went up into the air."
Girl injured in accident
Minnie is a toasty brown, handmade rag doll given to Hester by her grandmother as a gift.
The Adventures of Minnie: Minnie Saves the Day. (children's bookshelf)
The Pawtucket, Rhode Island, toy maker has been tossed around like a cheap rag doll. A slowdown in sales from Star Wars and Pokemon figures caused the company to experience a devastating loss of 51.29% since it was recommended a year ago.
Small caps gain affection
On Thanksgiving Day, when fishermen found the boy bobbing in the waves off Fort Lauderdale, they thought he was a rag doll lashed to the top of the tube--until his hand moved.
A BOY DIVIDED
But Nichole's seatbelt flew open and she was pounded against the car roof, flung like a rag doll from front seat to back.
Second chance: science gives a hand
It is difficult to be too particular in matters such as this, unless you consult your doll, your rag doll, your Betsy Ross doll, your voodoo doll, your strontium 90 doll.
Dolls seem like old friends
A TERRIER owner has been fined after his pet attacked another dog and "threw it around like a rag doll" outside a Newcastle supermarket.
Owner of staffie fined after dog attacks pet
"It bit her and was dragging her round like a rag doll.
FACE NEARLY TORN OFF
The "rag doll" pedestrian was sent spinning like a cartwheel eight feet off the ground before landing on the boot of the car, then the tarmac 50ft down the road.
Mown down & left for dead