Definition

Noun: A person who is easily deceived or tricked, and who is often blamed or punished for the mistakes or crimes of others. This person is a scapegoat or a victim of a setup.

Usage

The term "fall guy" is used to describe someone who is set up to take the blame or punishment for something they did not do, or who is easily manipulated into a vulnerable position. It often implies a lack of awareness or gullibility on the part of the person.

Examples

• In the scandal, the junior executive was made the fall guy for the company's illegal activities.
• The con artists needed a fall guy to take the rap when the police arrived.
• He's too trusting; he always ends up being the fall guy in his friends' schemes.

Advanced Usage

• "To be/play the fall guy": This is the most common construction, meaning to serve in the role of the scapegoat.
  • The low-level operative was forced to play the fall guy for the failed mission.
• The term originates from early 20th-century American slang, related to the idea of someone who "takes the fall" or is "left holding the bag."

Variants and Related Words

• Patsy (noun): A very close synonym, meaning a person easily taken advantage of or blamed.
• Scapegoat (noun): A person who is blamed for the wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults of others, especially for reasons of expediency.
• Dupe (noun): A person who is easily deceived or fooled.

Synonyms

• Patsy
• Scapegoat
• Dupe
• Sucker
• Whipping boy
• Sacrificial lamb

Antonyms

• Mastermind
• Culprit
• Perpetrator

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "To take the fall": This is the verb phrase from which "fall guy" is derived. It means to accept punishment or blame, often for someone else.
  • He agreed to take the fall for the burglary to protect his brother.
• "Left holding the bag": To be left with the responsibility or blame for something.
  • After the project failed, she was left holding the bag.

Noun

1. a person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of