fall on one's sword
Take the hit
To fall on one's sword is to accept blame or resignation to protect others or preserve honor.
The phrase comes from the ancient practice of suicide by sword to avoid capture or disgrace.
In modern use, it's usually figurative—a politician falls on her sword by resigning to shield her party, or an executive takes responsibility for a scandal he didn't cause: Someone had to fall on their sword, and it was going to be me.
Suffering for conviction
- self-sacrificeSurrendering for others' benefit
- honorHigh regard, moral dignity
- dutyRequired moral task
- loyaltyFaithful commitment to another
atonement · redemption · selflessness · devotion · principled · integrity · reputation · legacy
Voluntarily leave office
take the blame · accountability · scapegoat · forced out · public apology · press conference · damage control · face-saving
martyrdom
Suffering for conviction
- self-sacrificeSurrendering for others' benefit
- honorHigh regard, moral dignity
- dutyRequired moral task
loyalty · atonement · redemption · selflessness · devotion · principled · integrity · reputation · legacy · gallantry
resign
Voluntarily leave office
exit · take the blame · accountability · scapegoat · forced out · public apology · press conference · damage control · face-saving · take one for the team
fall on one's swordpass the buck
Transfer responsibility elsewhere
shift the blame · point the finger · cover one's tracks · make excuses · weasel out
fall on one's swordlook out for number one
Favor your own interests
fall, falls, fallen, falling, faller, downfall, rainfall, waterfall, ones