Fall Guy
/ˈfɔːl ɡaɪ/
Definitions
- (n.) A person who is wrongly blamed or punished for a crime or wrongdoing to protect the real perpetrator.
The defendant claimed to be a fall guy, insisting the true criminal was someone else.
Forms
- fall guy
- fall guys
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Commonly used to describe a party unjustly held responsible, the term is informal and often appears in criminal law contexts involving wrongful blame.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.