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.

The most surprising outcome involved Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, who became a punching bag, along with Bass, for people who thought L.A. had transformed into a hellhole.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2026

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

There are two sets of barbells, a burlap sack of sand, a jump rope with red wooden handles, and a pear-shaped leather punching bag nailed to the closet ceiling.

From "Dreaming in Cuban" by Cristina García