Scapegoat

/ˈskeɪpˌɡoʊt/

Synonyms

  • victim
  • fall guy
  • patsy
  • sacrificial lamb
  • whipping boy

Slang Meanings

The person taking the heat for everyone else.
When the project failed, John became the scapegoat for the whole team's mistakes.
Someone who is a convenient target for blame.
As usual, he was the scapegoat when things went wrong in the office.