# patsy

/ˈpætsi/ (US) · /pˈætsi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/patsy
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

someone who is easily tricked or blamed for something that someone else did. You use this word when a person is being used by others to hide their own crimes or mistakes.

For teachers: A person who is easily deceived or victimised, particularly one manipulated into taking the blame for another's wrongdoing. Often appears in the context of criminal or political conspiracies.

## Examples

- He realized too late that he was just a patsy for the gang.
- The corrupt officials needed a patsy to take the fall for the missing funds before the auditors arrived.
- In many classic noir films, the protagonist discovers he is merely a patsy in a much larger scheme, orchestrated by someone he thought he could trust.

## Usage notes

- Often used with the verb 'to be' or 'to play' ('to play the patsy').

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.