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.