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Processed with VS1Distinguish being unfairly blamed from being responsible, and describe blame without rushing to judgment.
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Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThis lesson explains “scapegoat” for someone who receives unfair blame and “fall guy” for a person set up to take blame for another person’s actions.
Cultural note: Both terms imply that blame is unfairly assigned. They are accusations about a situation, so use them only when you have reason to believe responsibility is being shifted.
Keep exploringA person may be blamed for a problem they did not cause. Learn expressions for unfair blame—and how they differ from simply taking responsibility.
Phrase guide · 5 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Name someone who is blamed for a wider problem.
Meaning
A person or group unfairly made to receive blame for a problem.
Tone & use
Can refer to a person, group, or community. Calling someone a scapegoat implies the blame is misplaced, so support the claim with evidence.
Example
“The review found that the newest employee had become a scapegoat for a decision made by the whole team.”
Meaning
Unfairly blame someone to shift attention away from other causes or people.
Tone & use
This is a strong criticism. Say who made the decision and what evidence supports the claim.
Example
“The committee should examine the process instead of making one clerk a scapegoat.”
Describe someone made to take blame for another person.
Meaning
A person made to take the blame, often for something someone else did.
Tone & use
Informal and usually suggests that the person was set up or used to protect the real decision-maker.
Example
“Investigators were concerned the junior manager had been chosen as the fall guy.”
Separate unfair blame from accountability for one’s own actions.
Meaning
Accept responsibility for something that went wrong.
Tone & use
This does not always mean the blame is unfair; someone may accept responsibility for their own part.
Example
“I forgot to send the reminder, so I’ll take the blame for the missed appointment.”
Meaning
Carry responsibility or criticism for something that happened.
Tone & use
More formal than “take the blame.” It can be fair or unfair depending on the facts.
Example
“The report clarified which department should bear the blame for the delay.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
Try it · Choose the best expression
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