scapegoat
What does "scapegoat" mean?
A scapegoat is an individual or group who is unfairly blamed for the mistakes, failures, or wrongdoings of others. The mental image is of someone being forced to carry the "sins" or burdens of a larger group so that the actual culprits can avoid accountability. In practice, this term is often used in professional or political contexts to describe a person who is fired or disciplined to appease public outrage or protect higher-ups. It implies an injustice and a lack of true responsibility on the part of the person being targeted.
"scapegoat" in conversation
Discussing a failed project
The budget report was a disaster, but why are they firing Dave?
The budget report was a disaster, but why are they firing Dave?
He's just the scapegoat. The CEO is the one who approved the bad investments.
He's just the scapegoat. The CEO is the one who approved the bad investments.
Used to highlight that someone is taking the fall for someone else's errors.
Political analysis
Do you think the new policy will actually fix the economy?
Do you think the new policy will actually fix the economy?
No, it's just meant to make the opposition look like the scapegoats for the current inflation.
No, it's just meant to make the opposition look like the scapegoats for the current inflation.
Shows how the term is used in political rhetoric to shift blame onto an opponent.
"scapegoat" in a sentence
The manager made his assistant the scapegoat for the project's failure.
The manager made his assistant the scapegoat for the project's failure.
Minority groups are frequently turned into scapegoats during times of economic hardship.
Minority groups are frequently turned into scapegoats during times of economic hardship.
Rather than addressing the systemic flaws in the organization, the board sought a scapegoat to pacify the shareholders.
Rather than addressing the systemic flaws in the organization, the board sought a scapegoat to pacify the shareholders.
