World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English Dictionaries身代わり
Pronunciation / Transliteration: migawari
"彼はスキャンダルの身代わりにされた。"
Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
A person or thing sacrificed, harmed, or given up for the sake of others or to protect a larger group from blame or failure.
"When the project collapsed, the junior manager was made a sacrificial lamb to protect the senior executives." - 2
An individual who is heavily disadvantaged or doomed to failure from the outset in a competitive or political struggle.
"Running the political newcomer in such a heavily favored opposition district felt like sending a sacrificial lamb to slaughter."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from ancient religious sacrificial traditions, particularly the Judeo-Christian concept of offering an unblemished lamb to appease the divine or atone for sins. Over time, the phrase evolved metaphorically into secular English to describe any person or entity sacrificed or blamed unjustly for the failures of a larger group.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Sacrificial lamb"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Sacrificial lamb" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
bouc émissaire
Transliteration: book ay-meh-sehr
"Il a servi de bouc émissaire pour couvrir les erreurs de l'entreprise."
Sündenbock
Transliteration: zoon-den-bok
"Der Minister wurde zum Sündenbock für das gescheiterte Projekt gemacht."
capro espiatorio
Transliteration: kah-pro eh-spyah-to-ryo
"Hanno cercato un capro espiatorio per evitare lo scandalo."
chivo expiatorio
Transliteration: chee-vo eks-pyah-to-ryo
"El empleado inocente se convirtió en el chivo expiatorio."
bode expiatório
Transliteration: bo-dee eks-pyah-to-ryoo
"Ele recusou ser o bode expiatório pelos erros da diretoria."
बलि का बकरा
Transliteration: bali ka bakra
"घोटाले में उसे बेवजह बलि का बकरा बना दिया गया।"
替罪羊
Transliteration: tì zuì yáng
"他被公司当作了这次危机的替罪羊。"
희생양
Transliteration: hui-saeng-yang
"그는 이번 스캔들의 희생양이 되었다."
身代わり
Transliteration: migawari
"彼はスキャンダルの身代わりにされた。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all Japanese termsA professional entertainer, such as a singer, dancer, or actor, especially one of high skill.
An operational unit in an air force consisting of two or more flights, or an armored cavalry unit.
Annoyed, bored, or disappointed after experiencing something unpleasant for too long.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Sacrificial lamb"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.