falls on one's sword
Takes the hit
Falls on one's sword means to resign or accept blame, especially to protect others or preserve an organization's reputation.
The phrase evokes the ancient practice of defeated commanders killing themselves with their own weapons rather than face capture.
In modern use, it's usually political or corporate: The aide fell on his sword to shield the senator from scandal.
The sacrifice may be voluntary or coerced.
- admissionEntry or confession
- mea culpaAcknowledgment of personal blame
- samurai codeFeudal warrior ethics
- seppukuRitualized Japanese self-disembowelment
- culpabilityDeserving blame for wrongdoing
ritual suicide · honor · accountability · personal responsibility · resignation · confession · acknowledgment · apology · martyrdom · surrender · self-denial · liability · transparency · ownership · forfeiture · humility · altruism · self-abnegation
falls on one's swordstonewalls
Delays through evasion
digs in one's heels · doubles down · digs in · weathers the storm
falls on one's swordlooks out for number one
Prioritizes personal gain above all
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