Lay something at somebody’s door
verb
To hold someone responsible or blame them for a problem or issue.
Many people lay the blame for the economic crisis at the government's door.
Often appears as...
- lay the blame at someone's door
- lay the responsibility at someone's door
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To hold someone responsible or blame them for a problem or issue.
Many people lay the blame for the economic crisis at the government's door.
Often appears as...
- lay the blame at someone's door
- lay the responsibility at someone's door
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Responsibility Implication
The phrase suggests someone caused or should fix a problem, even if not directly stating it.
After the match, fans laid the loss at the coach's door.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literally Nearby
The phrase metaphorically means blame, not putting something physically at someone's door.
Critics often lay the failure of the policy at the senator's door.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
It's usually used in a negative sense, implying fault or error.
Employees may lay the burden of overtime at the employer's door.
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