To betray someone or sacrifice them for one's own benefit, often in a situation where the person being betrayed is left vulnerable or exposed.
When do you use "Throw under the bus"?
This phrase is appropriate in contexts where someone is blamed or sacrificed for the sake of another's advantage, especially in situations involving workplace dynamics, politics, or personal relationships.
"Throw under the bus" Usage Examples
During the meeting, John decided to throw his colleague under the bus to cover for his own mistakes.
You shouldn't throw your friends under the bus just to make yourself look better.
In the investigation, the manager threw the interns under the bus to avoid taking responsibility for the project's failure.
She felt betrayed when her partner threw her under the bus in front of their friends.
It's disheartening to see how often people throw others under the bus to climb the corporate ladder.
"Throw under the bus" Explained
The phrase 'throw under the bus' is believed to have originated in the late 20th century, particularly in American English. It evokes the image of someone being literally thrown under a moving bus, implying that they are being abandoned or sacrificed to save oneself. It reflects a sense of betrayal where one person places their own interests above the welfare of another.