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posted ago by Oh_Well_ian ago by Oh_Well_ian +38 / -0

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stalking_horse

A stalking horse is a figure used to test a concept or mount a challenge on behalf of an anonymous third party. If the idea proves viable or popular, the anonymous third party can then declare its interest and advance the concept with little risk of failure. If the concept fails, the anonymous party will not be tainted by association with the failed concept and can either drop the idea completely or bide its time and wait until a better moment for launching an attack.