What is the meaning of the phraseological unit "to hang all the dogs on someone"? - briefly
The idiomatic expression "to hang all the dogs on someone" means to blame or attribute all the problems, faults, or responsibilities onto one individual. This phrase is often used when multiple issues exist and they are collectively pinned on a single person.
What is the meaning of the phraseological unit "to hang all the dogs on someone"? - in detail
The phraseological unit "to hang all the dogs on someone" is a colorful and somewhat archaic expression that carries a specific connotation in English. To understand its meaning, it's important to break down the components of the phrase:
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"Hang": In this context, "hang" is not used in its literal sense of suspending something from above. Instead, it refers to attributing blame or responsibility to someone. The idiomatic expression "to hang it on someone" means to place the blame on that person.
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"Dogs": The term "dogs" in this phrase is a metaphorical reference to problems, difficulties, or negative outcomes. It's often used to describe undesirable situations or issues that need resolution.
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"Someone": This refers to an individual or entity that is being held accountable for the problems or difficulties at hand.
When these components are combined into the phrase "to hang all the dogs on someone," it means to attribute all the blame, problems, or negative consequences to one person. Essentially, this expression is used to describe a situation where an individual is made to take full responsibility for everything that has gone wrong, regardless of whether they were actually at fault or not.
This phrase is often employed in contexts where someone is being unfairly targeted or scapegoated. It implies that the person is being held accountable for more than their fair share of the issues, which can create an atmosphere of injustice and resentment.
In summary, "to hang all the dogs on someone" is a vivid way to describe the act of placing all blame or responsibility on one individual, often in an unfair or disproportionate manner.