1 N-COUNT 掩护;借口 If you describe a person or thing as a stalking horse, you mean that it is being used to obtain a temporary advantage so that someone can get what they really want. 掩护;借口 [disapproval]
2 N-COUNT [oft NOUN n] (政治竞争中为摸清对手实力而推出的)掩护性候选人 In politics, a stalking horse is someone who stands against a leader in order to see how strong the opposition is. The stalking horse then withdraws in favour of a stronger challenger. (政治竞争中为摸清对手实力而推出的)掩护性候选人