lay something at the feet of
To assign responsibility for (something) to (someone).
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“They lay the blame at the feet of the manager.”
“After the project failed, the board chose to lay the responsibility at the feet of the lead developer.”
“Critics often lay the systemic failures of the industry at the feet of those who refuse to adapt to modern regulations.”
- 01
a little of something goes a long way
Only a small amount of something is usually required to produce a great effect.
- 02
a wild goose never laid a tame egg
Most things are inherited and predetermined.
- 03
beat feet
To run.
- 04
best laid plans
A proverbial expression used to signify the futility of making detailed plans when the ability to fully or even partially execute them is uncertain.
- 05
chalk something up to experience
To take a lesson from a bad outcome instead of grieving it.
- 06
drag one's feet
To procrastinate, put off; to dawdle, avoid, or make progress slowly and reluctantly.
- 07
feet first
In the manner of a deceased person (i.e., dead).
- 08
feet of clay
In someone apparently strong and without failings, a hidden weakness which could lead to downfall.
Last updated August 10, 2026