trained seal
Balances beach balls
A trained seal is a person who performs tasks obediently and uncritically, like the circus animals that clap and balance balls on command.
The term is dismissive, suggesting someone lacks independent thought or dignity: The senators acted like trained seals, applauding every word.
It often describes politicians, employees, or supporters who follow orders without question.
- circusTraveling entertainment with performers
- circus actSkilled tent entertainment
- performerOne who entertains audiences
- sea lionEared flippered marine mammal
- balancingAchieving equal distribution
balancing act · rubber ball · ball · flippers · applause · crowd pleaser · trick · jumping through hoops · whistle · fish · reward · clown · act · aquarium · barking · talented · obedient · showman
- circuscircus, big top, clown, clowns, ringmaster
- circus actsacrobat, acrobats, trapeze artist, juggling, jugglers
- working animalsherding, gun dog, guarding, pulling, hunting dog
trained sealindependent thinker
One who reasons autonomously
freethinker · free thinker · free spirit · maverick · nonconformist
train, seal, trains, trained, training, trainer, trainers, trainee, trainees