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

Three days later, he recanted that confession and spent the rest of his life professing his innocence, claiming that he was made a patsy for the real assassin, a man he called “Raoul.”

From Slate • Dec. 1, 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

Games like this are designed to inspire dreams, the destruction of a nonconference patsy generating optimism for what’s ahead.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 3, 2022

Had Henry intended to make me the patsy if his plan had fallen through?

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt