Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
sacrificial-lamb
noun
/ˌsækrɪˈfɪʃəl læm/
Definition
A sacrificial lamb is a term used to describe an animal that is offered as a sacrifice, often seen as innocent or pure.
Examples
- The young lamb was chosen as the sacrificial lamb for the festival.
- In the corporate world, sometimes an employee becomes a sacrificial lamb during a merger.
Meaning
The term can also be used metaphorically to refer to someone who is unfairly chosen to bear the blame or suffer for the benefit of others.
Synonyms
- scapegoat
- victim
- offering
