pawn

A pawn is a small piece on a chessboard that can move forward but not backward. It's often used as a metaphor for someone who's being used or controlled by others.

In everyday language, people talk about pawns when they're describing situations where individuals are being taken advantage of or manipulated by more powerful people or groups. For example, if someone says "She was just a pawn in her boss's game to get ahead," it means she was used for her skills or connections without much regard for her own interests or feelings. The word can also be used to describe situations where individuals are caught up in larger events and have little control over their lives. This usage is often associated with politics, business, or social movements where people might feel like they're just along for the ride.