ENGLISH
REFERENCE

take the rap

idiom
Meaning

To be blamed or punished for something, especially for the wrongful actions of another; to willingly allow oneself to be so blamed or punished.


Examples
SIMPLE

He decided to take the rap for his friend's mistake.

CONTEXTUAL

Even though the manager made the error, the assistant chose to take the rap to protect the team.

COMPLEX

Rather than exposing the true culprit and causing a public scandal, the loyal employee agreed to take the rap for the financial discrepancy.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bum rap

    An undeservedly unfavorable portrayal or reputation.

  2. 02

    cross to take up

    Alternative form of cross to bear.

  3. 03

    forget to take one's medication this morning

    To be annoyed or irritable, or to behave in an ill-mannered way, particularly in the morning.

  4. 04

    give and take

    A process of compromise or accommodation.

  5. 05

    give someone an inch and someone will take a mile

    Alternative form of give them an inch and they'll take a mile.

  6. 06

    I take it

    Used to express one's understanding of another's position.

  7. 07

    kick ass and take names

    To beat someone in a competition, fight, or other situation.

  8. 08

    let nature take its course

    To permit events to proceed or a situation to develop without intervention or interference.

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