shift the blame

/ʃɪft ðə ˈbleɪm/

phrase★Intermediate— assign fault to someone else◆idiom

◆ What It Really Means

Unfairly attributing fault to someone else to avoid consequences.

¶ Literal Meaning

Physically moving blame (not applicable in literal sense)

Literal Breakdown

shiftto move or change position+the blameresponsibility for a fault or mistake

◇ Mental Image

Imagine transferring a heavy weight (representing blame) from one person to another, highlighting the unfair transfer of responsibility.

◈ When to Use

In a meeting, when a project fails, a team leader might try to shift the blame to a junior member to save their own reputation.

◉ Cultural Note

Reflects human tendency to avoid responsibility, common in various cultures but viewed negatively.

informal

To transfer responsibility or fault from oneself to another, often unfairly or dishonestly.

Politicians often shift the blame to their predecessors for economic woes.

Politicians frequently attribute economic problems to those who held office before them.

💡

Commonly used in social, political, and workplace contexts to describe unfair allocation of responsibility.

Synonyms

to accept blame or punishment for something, often to protect others

Be cautious of the negative implications when using this phrase, as it suggests unfairness or dishonesty.

Late 19th century, from the literal act of shifting a load, metaphorically extended to responsibility.

Often implies a negative connotation of evasion or dishonesty in attributing fault.

English Dictionary