dodge the blame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dodge the blame" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone who is avoiding responsibility for a mistake or wrongdoing. Example: "Instead of taking responsibility for the project's failure, he chose to dodge the blame and point fingers at his team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Reichmann did not dodge the blame.

The Guardian

Even when he returned a week later, promising to stay until he saw improvements, he seemed to dodge the blame, suggesting critics of the relief operation should ask questions of the local government.It did not help perceptions that Leyte is the native turf of Imelda Marcos, widow of the dictator whom Mr Aquino's mother helped topple in 1986.

The Economist

Early September is usually a time for dire predictions about the school year to come, as politicians, educators and others with a stake in New York's sprawling school system air their grievances and dodge the blame for whatever problems threaten the opening of school.

The New York Times

At the same time she tried to dodge the blame for his serious human rights abuses, kleptocracy and vote-rigging.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Quotes him& and tells about the Polish government's dodging the blame and several other incidents of police brutality.

The New Yorker

Yet in condemning the actions of the developers, Mr Johnson faced accusations that he is dodging the blame for the root cause of the problem.

Independent

POLITICS in Brazil, like anywhere else, is mostly about claiming credit for improvements, dodging the blame for disasters and occasionally solving problems.

The Economist

He could also confront the tricky task of dodging the blame that inevitably gets directed at the occupant of the White House when the economy turns down.

The New York Times

And as the unemployment rate ticked down, the hopes of Mr. Obama and his party ticked up: perhaps by the approaching election year they could claim vindication for the stimulus policies Democrats have enacted, or at least dodge the sort of blame that Republicans so effectively stuck them with last November in the midterm elections.

The New York Times

Gail: I don't blame you for wanting to dodge the Republicans' proposal to raise revenue by eliminating tax deductions.

The New York Times

"To blame it exclusively on Saudi Arabia or Wahhabism is to dodge the issue".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "dodge the blame", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is being blamed and who is avoiding it.

Common error

Don't use "dodge the blame" when the subject is actually taking ownership of their actions. This phrase implies evasion, so ensure the context reflects that.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dodge the blame" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of evading responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, highlighting instances where individuals or entities actively avoid being held accountable. It's commonly used in news and media to describe political or organizational responses to criticism.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dodge the blame" is a verb phrase that describes the act of avoiding responsibility for something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, noting its prevalence in news and media contexts. While alternatives such as "shirk the blame" and "evade responsibility" exist, "dodge the blame" specifically implies an evasive or indirect method of avoiding accountability. Although not widely frequent, its consistent use in reputable sources makes it a valid and effective expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shirk the blame

Implies neglecting or avoiding responsibility, similar to dodging, but suggests a more active disengagement.

evade responsibility

Focuses on avoiding the overall duty or obligation rather than specifically the blame.

shift the responsibility

Highlights the act of transferring accountability to someone or something else.

avoid accountability

Emphasizes the lack of willingness to be held responsible for actions or outcomes.

pass the buck

An idiomatic expression that means to avoid responsibility by assigning it to someone else.

duck the consequences

Focuses on avoiding the negative outcomes or penalties associated with an action.

escape culpability

A more formal way of saying avoid being found guilty or responsible.

deflect criticism

Highlights the action of redirecting negative feedback away from oneself.

stonewall the inquiry

Suggests obstructing or hindering an investigation to prevent being held accountable.

cover up the error

Focuses on concealing the mistake to avoid blame.

FAQs

What does it mean to "dodge the blame"?

To "dodge the blame" means to avoid responsibility or accountability for something, often by being evasive or shifting responsibility to someone else.

What can I say instead of "dodge the blame"?

You can use alternatives like "shirk the blame", "evade responsibility", or "avoid accountability" depending on the context.

How is "dodge the blame" different from "accept responsibility"?

"Dodge the blame" implies avoiding ownership of a mistake or wrongdoing, while "accept responsibility" means acknowledging and taking ownership of it.

Is it ever acceptable to "dodge the blame"?

While it might seem easier in the short term, dodging the blame can erode trust and damage relationships. It's generally better to own up to your mistakes.