patsy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

As Warren Buffett wrote, “If you’ve been playing poker for half an hour and you still don’t know who the patsy is, you’re the patsy.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026

Granted, this first game was against the tanking Jazz, the same franchise that played patsy to Bryant’s 60 points nine years ago.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 2025

Again, the easiest marks are the ones who don't realize they're being set up as a patsy.

From Salon • Oct. 26, 2023

Many journalists have anointed him both—a destroyer of worlds but also a deal-maker, a patsy but also a conquering hero.

From Slate • Jun. 3, 2023

Regibald du Burgh announced, “I accept the challenge of the once-archivist Werfel, traitor to his own people, elf-friend, patsy for the enemy.”

From "The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge" by M.T. Anderson and Eugene Yelchin