to  throw   somebody  under the bus
throw
θrəʊ
threw
somebody
ʌndə
andē
under
ðə
dhē
the
bʌs
bas
bus

Definition & Meaning of "throw somebody under the bus"in English

to throw somebody under the bus
01

to gain advantage at the cost of someone else's suffering or loss 

Dialectamerican flagAmerican
to [throw] {sb} under the bus definition and meaning
Disapproving
Idiom
Informal

What is the origin of the idiom "throw someone under the bus" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "throw someone under the bus" is not definitively known, but it likely stems from the literal idea of someone being pushed or thrown beneath a bus, resulting in harm or betrayal. This phrase is used when someone is willing to sacrifice or betray another person to protect themselves or achieve their own goals. It often implies a lack of loyalty or a willingness to harm someone else for personal gain. This can happen in various contexts, including the workplace, relationships, or politics.

Examples
When the project failed, Lisa threw her assistant under the bus to protect her own job. 
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