take the flak
Bear the blame
To take the flak is to receive criticism or blame, especially on behalf of others or for a controversial decision.
From anti-aircraft fire (flak) that planes must endure, the phrase suggests absorbing hostile response: The press secretary took the flak for the policy announcement.
Often appears as take flak or catch flak.
- blameAssign responsibility for wrongdoing
- absorbTake in fully
- criticismJudgment of faults
- bear the bruntAbsorb primary impact
- carry the canBear blame for others
consequences · scrutiny · backlash · under fire · face the music · fall guy · whipping boy · rebuke · culpability · reproach · reprimand · vilification · calumny · censure · fallout · condemnation · repercussions · hot seat
accepting vs. avoiding blame/criticism
take the flakpass the buck
Transfer responsibility elsewhere
shift the blame · point the finger · make excuses · weasel out · cop out