punching bag

noun

1. an inflated or stuffed bag, usually suspended, punched with the fists as an exercise.
2. 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of punching bag¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Officers had "effectively become a punching bag", he said.

From BBC

They were just a useful punching bag for fascist leaders, who needed a hate object to dangle in front of their deluded supporters.

From Salon

His descriptions of crime in L.A. often border on the dystopian and echo conservative pundits who use the city as a punching bag.

From Los Angeles Times

The oil industry has been a Newsom punching bag for the last two years.

From Los Angeles Times

She also hit what has become a favourite Democratic punching bag, the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 blueprint for a Republican presidency.

From BBC