punching bag

Gym stress reliever

A punching bag is a heavy padded bag suspended for boxing practice—you hit it repeatedly to build strength and technique.

Figuratively, a punching bag is someone who absorbs abuse or criticism without fighting back: The new hire became the office punching bag.

Also called a heavy bag in gym contexts.

scapegoat

blame

Assign responsibility for wrongdoing

whipping boy · outlet · dumping ground · easy target · doormat · pushover · patsy · stooge · lightning rod · proxy

boxing

gloves

Hand coverings with fingers

  • wrapsEncircles with covering
  • jabQuick, straight blow
  • hookCurved catching device

uppercut · sparring · bout · ring · knockout · combo · speedbag · mitts · stance · footwork

catharsis

frustration

Displeasure from blocked efforts

aggression · therapy · rage · venting · relief · tension · outlet · exasperation · irritation · blowoff

training

workout

Structured physical exercise

fitness · routine · reps · sets · circuit · strength · power · agility · speed · technique

equipment

speedbag

Fast-rebound striking platform

mount · ceiling · stand · swivel · filling · sand · water · leather · vinyl · canvas

Categories
Opposites
agency and power

punching bagaggressor

One who initiates conflict

attacker · bully · abuser · tormentor · oppressor

role in conflict

punching bagfighter

One who engages in combat

sparring partner · combatant · contender · adversary · defender

treatment and status

punching bagsacred cow

Exempt from criticism

golden child · favorite · protected class · untouchable · darling

Family

punch, punching, punched, punches, puncher, counterpunch, punchers, punchbag, counterpunching

Familiarity
Top 50,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG