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take the rap
/teɪk ðə ræp/◆idiom
accept blame for someone else's actions
Even though his friend committed the crime, he took the rap to protect him.
He accepted the blame for his friend's actions to shield him from punishment.
Law
informal
To accept blame or punishment for something someone else did, often to protect them.
The CEO took the rap for the company's financial fraud, though lower-level employees were responsible.
The CEO accepted blame for the fraud to shield others from legal consequences.
Common in legal and informal contexts, often used when someone accepts responsibility to protect others.
Collocations
take the rap foraccept blame for
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
This phrase is often used in legal or informal settings where someone is shielding another person from blame.
Gold Rule
Avoid Misuse
Do not use this phrase for literal rap music or unrelated contexts.
Word Origin
Originates from the criminal justice system, where 'rap' refers to a charge or accusation. The phrase implies accepting a charge or punishment on behalf of someone else.
Usage Notes
Often used in informal and legal contexts. Can imply nobility or manipulation, depending on the situation.
Word Breakdown
take
accept
verbthe rap
blame or punishment
noun phraseEnglish Dictionary