Throw you under the bus

Meaning

Blame or sacrifice someone else to save oneself.

Usage

Used when someone betrays a colleague to avoid blame.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Modern American metaphor about sacrificing someone to avoid negative consequences.

Gained traction in the 1980s corporate press.