fall guy

noun

Slang.

1. an easy victim.

2. a scapegoat.

fall guy

noun

1. a person who is the victim of a confidence trick

2. a scapegoat

Word History and Origins

Origin of fall guy¹

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10

Idioms and Phrases

A scapegoat, one who is blamed for the actions of others. For example, He refused to be the fall guy for his colleagues . This expression uses fall in the sense of “consequences” or “blame,” which originated in prison slang. [ Slang ; early 1900s] Also see take the fall .

An easy victim, one who is readily duped. For example, His friends had marked him as the fall guy—they knew he would believe their ruse . [ Slang ; early 1900s]

Example Sentences

And then, the entire edifice crumbled as Baltimore became the focus and fall guy for one of the more infamous investigations of scientific misconduct in the last half of the 20th century.

From Los Angeles Times

When asked if he was the "fall guy" for Mr McGregor, Mr Lawrence said "not in a million years".

From BBC

But higher education providers say the industry is being made a "fall guy" for housing and migration issues, and that a cap would decimate the sector.

From BBC

So Monday’s announcements are not just about a blame game and attempting to make Jeremy Hunt the fall guy.

From BBC

“If the movie worked, it would go around town that Elaine saved it. If it didn’t work, she wouldn’t be the fall guy.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• patsy 
• scapegoat 
• whipping boy