Idioms, Fallacies, and Paradoxes

Throw Under the Bus

An idiomatic phrase in American English meaning to betray or sacrifice a friend of ally for selfish reasons. It is typically used to describe a self-defensive disavowal and severance of a previously-friendly relationship when the relation becomes controversial or unpopular.

The phrase has frequently been used to describe various politicians distancing themselves from suddenly unpopular or controvercial figures whom the candidate has previously allied themselves with .