punching bag
Americannoun
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an inflated or stuffed bag, usually suspended, punched with the fists as an exercise.
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Informal. a person serving as an object of abuse; scapegoat.
I told him that I wasn't going to be a punching bag for anyone.
Etymology
Origin of punching bag
First recorded in 1895–1900
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Behind him, some of the young athletes faced each other in the ring surrounded by cheering gymmates, while others trained on a punching bag.
From Barron's • Feb. 10, 2026
“The attack is a reminder that Powell will remain a punching bag for the president as long as he is on the Fed board,” said Ethan Harris, a former top economist at Bank of America.
From MarketWatch • Jan. 16, 2026
Robinhood’s backers say the firm has been unfairly targeted by its critics, becoming a kind of industry punching bag held responsible for individuals’ investment decisions and broader shifts in the market.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 26, 2025
It was part encyclopedia, part personal assistant, and part digital punching bag.
From Slate • Aug. 12, 2025
I turned toward the punching bag, opened my fist, and wrapped my arms around it.
From "When I Was the Greatest" by Jason Reynolds
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
