IdiomDaily Life

English

throw someone under the bus

Meaning: To betray or blame someone to save oneself.

Example: “When the project failed, the manager threw his assistant under the bus.”

Origin: American slang that became common in the 1980s and 1990s, especially in politics and sports.

Equivalents in other languages

Spanish: poner a los pies de los caballos Literally: To put at the feet of the horses

More English idioms

protect one's turf To defend one's area of control or responsibility against others.
chase rainbows To pursue something unrealistic.
on one's toes Alert and ready to react.
left high and dry Stranded or abandoned without help.
a pen-pusher A clerk or bureaucrat doing dull paperwork.
a word to the wise A hint or warning that a sensible person will heed.

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