lightning rod noun
plural ∼ rods [count] US 1 : a metal rod that is placed on a building and connected with the ground below to protect the building from being damaged by lightning 2 : someone or something that attracts criticism or gets blamed when things go wrong
▪ He has served well as his boss's lightning rod. [=he takes blame or criticism that might have been directed at his boss] — often + for ▪ He has long been a lightning rod for controversy/criticism. ▪ The company has become a lightning rod for the public's anger.
▪ He has served well as his boss's lightning rod. [=he takes blame or criticism that might have been directed at his boss] — often + for ▪ He has long been a lightning rod for controversy/criticism. ▪ The company has become a lightning rod for the public's anger.
