flak catcher
Designated criticism target
A flak catcher is someone designated to handle criticism or complaints on behalf of an organization or prominent person.
The term comes from military slang—flak being anti-aircraft fire—applied to public relations and bureaucratic contexts.
A press secretary or customer service representative absorbs hostility so that decision-makers don't have to: The assistant served as flak catcher for the unpopular CEO.
One blamed for others
- patsyEasily deceived victim
- whipping boyDesignated recipient of punishment
- lightning rodGrounded spike for discharges
- sacrificial lambOne offered for others' benefit
stooge · dupe · target · victim · butt · mark · punching bag · decoy
Handheld defensive armor
- bufferProtective intermediate space
- screenDisplay or barrier
- barrierObstruction preventing passage
- coverProtect by overlaying
insulation · firewall · intermediary · go-between · gatekeeper · spokesperson · press secretary · damage control
State of being answerable
- dutyRequired moral task
- burdenOppressive weight or duty
- liabilityLegal or financial obligation
- answerabilityObligation to explain oneself
blame · culpability · obligation · role · charge · delegation · hot seat · buck stops here
Strong negative reaction
- reproachExpression of disappointment
- condemnationSevere disapproval expressed formally
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
- rebukeExpress sharp disapproval
reprimand · complaint · grievance · faultfinding · denunciation · disapproval · objection · opprobrium
Pressure, mental or vocal
- tensionStretched or strained state
- strainExcessive stretching force
- heatTransferred thermal energy
- scrutinyClose, careful examination
spotlight · crosshairs · hot seat · firing line · siege · onslaught · barrage · bombardment
fall guy
One blamed for others
- patsyEasily deceived victim
- whipping boyDesignated recipient of punishment
- lightning rodGrounded spike for discharges
sacrificial lamb · stooge · dupe · target · victim · butt · mark · punching bag · decoy · front man
shield
Handheld defensive armor
cover · insulation · firewall · intermediary · go-between · gatekeeper · spokesperson · press secretary · damage control · spin doctor
responsibility
State of being answerable
answerability · blame · culpability · obligation · role · charge · delegation · hot seat · buck stops here
backlash
Strong negative reaction
- reproachExpression of disappointment
- condemnationSevere disapproval expressed formally
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
rebuke · reprimand · complaint · grievance · faultfinding · denunciation · disapproval · objection · opprobrium · disparagement
stress
Pressure, mental or vocal
scrutiny · spotlight · crosshairs · hot seat · firing line · siege · onslaught · barrage · bombardment · grilling
flak catcherdecision-maker
One with choosing power
shot-caller · power broker · principal · chief executive · the boss
flak catcherglory hound
One pursuing acclaim greedily
spotlight seeker · front man · figurehead · golden child · fair-haired boy
flak catchershadow figure
Dark indistinct human shape
hidden hand · untouchable · power behind the throne · silent partner
flak, catcher, flack, catch, catches, caught, catching, catchy