Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
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

"In big crimes, there will always be a fall guy, so we don't believe that the real mastermind will be identified."

From BBC • May 18, 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