What is what does it mean to throw someone under the bus?

Throwing someone under the bus is an idiom that describes the act of sacrificing someone else to save oneself, often in a professional or social context. It involves betraying or sacrificing a colleague or friend to deflect blame, gain an advantage, or avoid negative consequences.

Here's a breakdown:

• The Act: It involves deliberately undermining or sabotaging someone else's position or reputation. This can be done through:

  • Blaming them for mistakes or failures.
  • Revealing their secrets or weaknesses.
  • Falsely accusing them of wrongdoing.
  • Taking credit for their work or ideas.
  • Failing to defend them when they are attacked.

• The Motivation: The primary motivation is self-preservation or self-advancement. The person throwing someone under the bus is prioritizing their own interests above the well-being or loyalty to the other person. They may be motivated by fear, ambition, or a desire to avoid responsibility.

• The Consequences: The consequences for the person "thrown under the bus" can be severe, including:

  • Damage to their reputation.
  • Loss of trust from others.
  • Job loss or career setbacks.
  • Emotional distress.

• The Ethical Implications: Throwing someone under the bus is generally considered unethical and can damage relationships and create a toxic work environment. It demonstrates a lack of integrity and can erode trust within a team or organization.

Here are some key subjects as links:

• Betrayal
• Self-Preservation
• Ethical%20Implications
• Toxic%20Work%20Environment