cat’s paw—a person used as a tool by another to accomplish a purpose, etc.:
- The eldest son, John, was a cat’s-paw in the financial schemings of the second son, Charles.
pussyfoot—
1. a person who avoids committing himself; smb. who proceeds very cautiously:
- Modesty is not the same as subjection, and a well-bred lad does not need to be a pussyfoot.
2. a cool, fruity nonalcoholic cocktail with added egg yolk:
- Turned out a pussyfoot is a non-alcoholic concoction of a few fruit juices served chilled.