Definitions

fall guy

NOUN

easy victim

Synonyms

STRONGEST

patsy scapegoat whipping boy

WEAK

boob can-carrier chopping block chump dupe easy mark easy touch fool goat lamb to the slaughter mark pigeon prize sap sacrifice sap schlemiel schmuck sitting duck soft touch stooge sucker trusting soul victim

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In Japan, the BOJ is the government’s fall guy.

From Barron's • Dec. 17, 2025

Carl’s duplicitous behavior, meanwhile, leads Roy to think his brother is planning to make him the fall guy for their mutual misdeeds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 5, 2025

And then, the entire edifice crumbled as Baltimore became the focus and fall guy for one of the more infamous investigations of scientific misconduct in the last half of the 20th century.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 8, 2025

"In big crimes, there will always be a fall guy, so we don't believe that the real mastermind will be identified."

From BBC • May 18, 2024

I said they’re looking for a fall guy and you’re nominated.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

fall guy

Example Sentences

Related Words