throw under the bus: Idiom Meaning and Origin

Throw under the bus is an idiom that originated in the United States in the mid-20th century. The literal meaning of the phrase refers to physically pushing someone underneath a moving bus, resulting in harm or injury. However, its figurative usage has become more prevalent and well-known.

In its figurative sense, "throw under the bus" means to betray or sacrifice someone for personal gain or to shift blame onto them in order to avoid responsibility. This idiom is commonly used in situations where a person seeks to distance themselves from a mistake, bad decision, or controversy by making another individual the scapegoat.

This act of betrayal implies a sense of disregard for loyalty or fairness, as the person initiating the act places their own interests above all else. It is particularly common in contexts involving politics, corporate environments, and interpersonal relationships.

The idiom "throw under the bus" shares a similar sentiment with other idioms, such as "throw to the dogs," "pass the buck," and "throw to the wolves." Each of these idioms conveys the idea of sacrificing someone else for personal gain or to avoid consequences.

"Throw to the dogs" suggests abandoning someone to a hostile or unforgiving environment, where they will be subjected to criticism or attack. This idiom shares a similar theme with "throw under the bus," as both involve sacrificing someone to protect oneself.

"Pass the buck" also relates to the act of avoiding responsibility. It originated from the game of poker, where a marker, or "buck," was passed to the next player to signify that they were responsible for dealing. In a figurative sense, "pass the buck" means to shift blame or responsibility onto someone else. This idiom aligns with the notion of throwing someone under the bus by avoiding accountability.

Similarly, "throw to the wolves" conveys the idea of sacrificing someone to protect oneself. The phrase alludes to throwing a person into a dangerous situation where they will be exposed to harm or criticism. This idiom emphasizes the act of betrayal and highlights the potential consequences of trusting others in precarious situations.

The idiom "throw under the bus" originated in the United States and has a literal meaning of physically pushing someone underneath a moving bus. However, its figurative usage is more common, referring to betraying or sacrificing someone to shift blame or avoid responsibility.

The idiom is often used in contexts involving politics, corporate environments, and interpersonal relationships. It reflects a darker aspect of human behavior and reminds us that not everyone upholds the value of trust.

Furthermore, this idiom shares similarities with other idioms such as "throw to the dogs," "pass the buck," and "throw to the wolves," as they all involve sacrificing someone else for personal gain or to avoid consequences.

These idioms serve as cautionary reminders of the potential consequences of trusting others and the often cutthroat nature of certain environments. Despite variations in meaning and usage, the core concept of betrayal and sacrifice remains consistent across these idioms.

The continued relevance of the expression "throw under the bus" suggests that its underlying themes strike a chord with human experiences, making it a powerful and relatable idiom.