Throw someone under the bus
Meaning
To betray someone by sacrificing them or shifting blame onto them to protect oneself or gain an advantage.
Origin
The phrase 'throw someone under the bus' emerged in the mid-20th century, particularly gaining traction in American political discourse and media. It vividly painted a picture of someone being callously sacrificed or betrayed, much like a person being literally shoved into the path of a speeding city bus. This brutal, irreversible image perfectly encapsulated the act of shifting blame or responsibility onto an unsuspecting individual to protect oneself or advance a personal agenda, leaving the victim utterly crushed by the consequences. It’s a stark metaphor for the ruthless competitive environments of modern life, where self-preservation can often override loyalty or ethics.
Examples
- The manager decided to throw his junior colleague under the bus to avoid taking responsibility for the project's failure.
- During the heated debate, the politician didn't hesitate to throw his opponent under the bus, blaming him for the city's economic woes.