The phrase "wooden puppet" refers to a puppet that is made out of wood. It is often used to describe a person who is not acting or thinking for themselves, but rather being controlled by someone else. Full definition
A lot of people don't realize this but he's actually a poorly crafted wooden puppet. (sbnation.com)
Everyone's favorite wooden puppet may not be a real boy... but he just might be a real hero. (topshelfcomix.com)
The Paladino campaign is borrowing a page from the NY Post's playbook, casting Andrew Cuomo as the infamous wooden puppet whose nose grows every time he tells a fib. (nystateofpolitics.com)