take the fall

== English == === Alternative forms === take a fall === Pronunciation === === Verb === take the fall (third-person singular simple present takes the fall, present participle taking the fall, simple past took the fall, past participle taken the fall) (idiomatic, informal, sports, especially boxing) To willingly lose a match, as in a fixed fight. (idiomatic, informal) To bear the blame or punishment for another person's failure or misdeed, either intentionally or not. ==== Synonyms ==== (bear the blame): take the rap ==== See also ==== fall guy scapegoat