under the bus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'under the bus' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom and often used in informal contexts to describe a situation in which someone or something is blamed for something they are not responsible for, or a situation in which someone or something is abandoned or neglected. For example, "After the press conference, the Prime Minister threw the Minister of Education under the bus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They throw it under the bus.

The New York Times - Food

I crawled under the bus".

The New York Times

But throwing other women under the bus?

The Guardian - Opinion

"UBS had thrown me under the bus.

The Guardian

He just rode under the bus".

The New Yorker

QUESTION FROM RC: Throw the intelligence community under the bus.

The New Yorker

"I'm not throwing innocent people under the bus," he said.

The New York Times

"We can't just throw her under the bus," he said.

The New Yorker

He is "throwing Israel under the bus," they cried.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Resist throwing someone under the bus.

Huffington Post

It also throws the credibility of Democrats under the bus.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the idiom "under the bus" to vividly describe situations where someone is unfairly blamed or sacrificed to protect others. It's particularly effective in political, corporate, or interpersonal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "under the bus" when a simple mistake occurs. This idiom implies a deliberate act of betrayal or sacrifice, not just an oversight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under the bus" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically used as a verb phrase. It describes the act of betraying or sacrificing someone, often by shifting blame or abandoning them. Ludwig confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

99%

Formal & Business

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "under the bus" is a very common and readily understood phrase used to describe betrayal or sacrifice, often through blame-shifting. Ludwig AI affirms its proper usage in English. While frequently found in news and media, it is generally considered informal and should be used with caution in more formal contexts. Alternatives such as "thrown to the wolves" or "scapegoated" can offer similar meanings with varying nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thrown to the wolves

Similar figurative meaning, but emphasizes being sacrificed to a dangerous situation or group.

sold down the river

Implies betrayal by someone trusted, often for personal gain.

left holding the bag

Focuses on being left to take responsibility for something, often a mistake or problem.

scapegoated

Highlights being blamed for the faults or wrongdoings of others.

left out to dry

Focuses on being abandoned or unsupported in a difficult situation.

taken the fall

Emphasizes accepting blame, whether deserved or not, to protect someone else.

made a patsy

Highlights being deceived and manipulated into taking the blame.

sacrificed

Directly implies being given up for the benefit of others or a cause.

betrayed

General term for the violation of trust or loyalty.

abandoned

Focuses on being deserted or left behind, especially in a time of need.

FAQs

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

To throw someone "under the bus" means to betray or sacrifice them, often by blaming them for something or abandoning them in a difficult situation to save oneself or others. It implies a deliberate act of self-preservation at another's expense.

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

You can use "under the bus" in a sentence like this: "The CEO threw his subordinate "under the bus" to deflect criticism from the board."

What are some alternatives to saying "under the bus"?

You can use alternatives like "thrown to the wolves", "scapegoated", or "sold down the river" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "under the bus" an appropriate phrase for formal writing?

While "under the bus" is widely understood, it's generally considered informal. For formal writing, consider using more neutral terms like "sacrificed", "blamed", or "abandoned", which convey a similar meaning without the colloquial tone.