Idiom:  take the rap for something

A glass of beer and words "13 & illegal." Caption: I was stupid for taking the rap for stealing my dad's beer from the garage. My sister did it but now I'm the one who's going to counseling and rehab.

Meaning

Idiom:  take the rap for something

  • to be blamed or punished, especially for something you didn’t do or for something that others also were involved in


Example sentences

— take the rap for a lot of things because I’m the oldest child.

— My friend is so cool! He took the rap for cheating on the test but didn't tell the teacher that everyone else did the same thing.

— Don't expect me to take the rap again.

— We're screwed. Pamela would never take the rap. She's probably blaming us right now.

— I would never tell on you. Trust me, I'll take the rap if we get caught.

— So you don't feel any remorse for your girlfriend taking the rap for you?

— Who stole the phone? If you take the rap for one of your friends, you'll be equally punished when we find out what happened.

— When I spoke with the principal, I tried to pretend that I was being brave and loyal by taking the rap but I was the one who spray painted graffiti on the school.

— Sir, my son refuses to say what really happened. He'd rather take the rap then be bullied and beat up.

— Everyone has to make a vow that we'll take the rap if something goes wrong with the plan. Agreed?

— Ugh. My client is taking the rap for her so-called boyfriend. Just wait until I tell her that he's already dating one of her friends.


Synonyms

  • suffer the consequences
  • pay the price
  • answer for something
  • take the blame


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