Word: Fall Guy
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: A "fall guy" is a person who is tricked or made to take the blame for something that they did not do. This person is often seen as gullible or someone who can be easily deceived.
In a more complex context, you might say: - "The politician used a fall guy to divert attention from his own wrongdoing, sacrificing an innocent aide to protect his reputation."
"Fall guy" can also refer to someone who takes risks for others, often willingly. However, this meaning is less common.
There aren’t direct phrasal verbs associated with “fall guy,” but you might use phrases like: - "Throw someone under the bus": This means to betray someone or make them take the blame for something.
Understanding the term "fall guy" helps you recognize situations where someone is unfairly blamed or used.