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Showing results for fall guy. Search instead for half guy.
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

If this $1.2-billion gamble is going to fail, the Dodgers will need a fall guy, and he’ll be it.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2024

But he claimed he had been made "the fall guy" for a wider crisis engulfing the CBI and that his reputation had been "totally destroyed".

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2024

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

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik