- Meaning
- This idiom describes betraying or sacrificing someone, often to save oneself or gain advantage, as if pushing them under a moving bus. It conveys disloyalty or scapegoating, typically used in professional, political, or social contexts to critique selfish betrayal. The phrase carries a tone of outrage, blame, or cynicism, reflecting cultural values of loyalty and the human tendency to deflect blame. Its violent imagery evokes a shocking act, resonating in scenarios like workplace politics or public scandals. The idiom condemns treachery, making it a stark metaphor for betrayal.
- Origin
- The phrase emerged in late 20th-century America, possibly from urban slang or political jargon, with no clear origin but likely tied to bus-related metaphors for harm. Its earliest recorded use appears in *The New York Times* (1980s), describing a corporate scapegoat. The idiom gained traction in the 2000s, amplified by reality TV and political media, notably during U.S. election coverage. Its spread was boosted by social media, especially on platforms like Twitter, for its dramatic imagery. Its adoption, primarily in the U.S., stems from its vividness and relevance to competitive environments.
- Variants
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- Thrown under the bus
- Throw under the bus
- Toss under the bus
- Examples
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- He threw his colleague under the bus to avoid the boss’s wrath.
- Thrown under the bus, she was blamed for the project’s failure.
- Don’t toss me under the bus just to save your reputation.
- Throw under the bus, he did, letting his friend take the fall.
- They threw their teammate under the bus during the investigation.
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