under any bus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under any bus" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of expressing that someone is willing to sacrifice or disregard someone else, often in a critical or negative manner. Example: "He would throw his own mother under any bus to get ahead in his career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

No one was thrown under any bus.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

'I was in a pretty bad way on the outside in the end and could have gone under a bus at any moment.

The Guardian - Books

"If I went under a bus right now, Kids Company would not have any money, and I worry about that".

The Guardian

They can also quickly remove under-performing bus stops or routes.

TechCrunch

Run out of the building and under a bus?

The Guardian

By throwing our black brothers and sisters under a bus?

The Guardian - Opinion

Grief-stricken, she considered throwing herself under a bus.

The Guardian

Look! Mr Green is dead under a bus!

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A 34-year-old man who, when intoxicated, had been dragged under a bus.

The New York Times

Mr. Jones scurried under a bus transporting inmates from the jail and clung to its undercarriage.

The New York Times

But he could fall under a bus," said a colleague, sinisterly.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under any bus" when you want to emphasize that someone is willing to sacrifice another person without any hesitation or remorse. It suggests a ruthless and calculating approach.

Common error

Avoid using "under any bus" when the situation only involves minor disagreements or unintentional harm. This phrase implies a deliberate and extreme act of betrayal. Instead, try using milder phrases like "disagreed with" or "unintentionally hurt" if the situation warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under any bus" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb and intensifying the act of betrayal or sacrifice. It suggests a willingness to harm anyone, regardless of their relationship, for personal gain. Ludwig highlights the rarity, but correctness, of the expression.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under any bus" is a prepositional phrase that amplifies the concept of betrayal. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its usage in news and media contexts. While rare, it effectively conveys a willingness to sacrifice anyone for personal gain. Related phrases include "thrown to the wolves" or "sold down the river", capturing similar themes of betrayal and sacrifice. When using this phrase, ensure it reflects a deliberate and extreme act, not just a simple disagreement. Ludwig AI accurately reflects its use and meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

betrayed without hesitation

Highlights the unexpected, disloyal nature of being thrown "under any bus".

thrown to the wolves

Similar level of intensity of harm.

sold down the river

Implies betrayal and being disadvantaged.

left to fend for themselves

Suggests abandonment in a difficult situation.

hung out to dry

Indicates abandonment and lack of support.

made a scapegoat

Highlights being unfairly blamed or punished.

sacrificed for the greater good

Suggests a calculated decision to harm someone.

left holding the bag

Highlights being left with responsibility or blame.

expendable

Emphasizes being treated as easily replaceable.

used and discarded

Conveys the feeling of being exploited and then abandoned.

FAQs

How can I use "under any bus" in a sentence?

The phrase "under any bus" is used to indicate that someone is willing to sacrifice or betray another person without hesitation. For example, "He would throw his own mother "under any bus" to get ahead in his career."

What does it mean to throw someone "under the bus"?

To throw someone "under the bus" means to betray or sacrifice them, often to save oneself or gain an advantage. The addition of "any" intensifies this, suggesting no limit to whom they would betray.

What are some alternative ways to express the idea of betraying someone?

Alternatives include phrases like "sell down the river", "sacrifice someone", or "betray someone" depending on the context.

Is "under any bus" the same as "under the bus"?

While similar, "under the bus" generally means sacrificing someone in a specific instance. "Under any bus" implies a willingness to sacrifice anyone, highlighting a more ruthless character.