A: I read in the local news that your husband was appointed as a vice chairman of the musicians’ association. Congratulations!

B: Well, he is a figurehead. In fact, there are several vice chairmen in the association. They are all figureheads.

Note: Originally, this word refers to a carved figure built into the bow of a sailing ship. Figureheads being a symbol of a ship, the word later took on a new meaning, becoming synonym for being symbolic or ornamental. It is used as a metaphor for a person nominally having a prominent position, but no real authority or responsibility.