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

There's always got to be a fall guy when something as poor as this is being served up and I think this substitution is a statement from Ryan Lowe.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2024

Mr. Ray had been sentenced to prison without a trial, but later recanted, saying that he was the fall guy for an expansive conspiracy linking the F.B.I., the mafia and the U.S. military.

From New York Times • Jan. 22, 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