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

Example Sentences

In the season finale, Shiv was also a crucial voice in steering Logan toward picking Ken as the fall guy.

From Time

In an attempt to dig himself out, Connor generously offered to be the fall guy for the cruise fiasco in exchange for compensation, weaving a story in which he was the “eminence grise” of the family.

From Time

Related Words

• patsy
• scapegoat
• whipping boy