Lay something at somebody’s door

usgb
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.
Visual representation of "lay something at somebody’s door" - To hold someone responsible or blame them for a problem or issue.

Often appears as...

  • lay the blame at someone's door
  • lay the responsibility at someone's door

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "lay something at somebody’s door"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Responsibility Implication

The phrase suggests someone caused or should fix a problem, even if not directly stating it.

Illustration for Responsibility Implication
After the match, fans laid the loss at the coach's door.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literally Nearby

The phrase metaphorically means blame, not putting something physically at someone's door.

Illustration for Not Literally Nearby
Critics often lay the failure of the policy at the senator's door.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Negative Connotation

It's usually used in a negative sense, implying fault or error.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
Employees may lay the burden of overtime at the employer's door.
Visual representation of the word "Lay something at somebody’s door"

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