take the blame

/teɪk ðə bleɪm/
phrasal verbIntermediate
informal

To accept responsibility for something, especially when it is not entirely your fault or when others are also responsible.

Even though the project failed due to multiple factors, the manager decided to take the blame to protect the team.

Even though the project failed due to multiple factors, the manager decided to accept responsibility to protect the team.

She took the blame for the accident, even though it wasn't entirely her fault.

She accepted responsibility for the accident, even though it wasn't entirely her fault.

💡

This phrase is often used to show humility or leadership, but it can also be used to avoid conflict or shift responsibility.

Collocations

take full blameto accept complete responsibilitytake the blame forto accept responsibility for a specific action or outcome

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

shoulder the blamephrase
to accept responsibility for something, often with a sense of burden
shift the blamephrase
to pass responsibility for a mistake or failure to someone else

💡Pro Tip

Use in Leadership Contexts

This phrase is often used by leaders or managers to protect their team by accepting responsibility for failures.

Gold Rule

Avoid Overuse

While taking the blame can show leadership, overusing this phrase may make you appear ineffective or overly self-critical.

📖Word Origin

The phrase 'take the blame' is a combination of the verb 'take' and the noun 'blame,' reflecting the act of accepting responsibility for something.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is often associated with leadership or moral integrity. It can also be used sarcastically to criticize someone for accepting blame unfairly.

Word Breakdown

take
to accept or assume
verb
+
the blame
responsibility for a mistake or failure
noun phrase
English Dictionary