Phrase guide

take the fall

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To willingly lose a match, as in a fixed fight.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: especially, idiomatic, informal

Topics: boxing, government, hobbies, lifestyle, martial-arts, military, politics, sports, war

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To bear the blame or punishment for another person's failure or misdeed, either intentionally or not.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, informal

Examples

  • It was good of him to take the fall for you like that, I just wonder if he will come out of this one unscathed.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.