punching bag

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.

Behind him, some of the young athletes faced each other in the ring surrounded by cheering gymmates, while others trained on a punching bag.

From Barron's • Feb. 10, 2026

“The attack is a reminder that Powell will remain a punching bag for the president as long as he is on the Fed board,” said Ethan Harris, a former top economist at Bank of America.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 16, 2026

Robinhood’s backers say the firm has been unfairly targeted by its critics, becoming a kind of industry punching bag held responsible for individuals’ investment decisions and broader shifts in the market.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 26, 2025

The fight percolated predictably from there, rising in intensity, until Jessica Tarlov—the liberal punching bag on Fox’s The Five—broke things up.

From Slate • Nov. 19, 2025

Each day Brannon ran three miles, worked out on the punching bag in the gym, and boxed a few rounds with anyone he could insult or entice into the ring with him.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy