1rap 
/ˈræp/ noun
plural raps /ˈræp/ noun 1 [count] : a quick hit or knock
▪ I was startled by a sharp rap on/against/at the window/door. ▪ He gave me a rap on the knee. 2 [count] US, informal : a statement by police or the government saying that someone has committed a crime — usually singular ▪ She faces a murder rap [=charge] for the death of her boyfriend. — see also beat the rap (below) 3 the rap informal : the blame or punishment for something
▪ He took the rap for his brother in order to protect him. 4 [count] US, informal : a complaint against someone or something : something that someone or something is criticized for — usually singular ▪ The main rap against him is that he isn't totally honest about what he knows.
▪ I was startled by a sharp rap on/against/at the window/door. ▪ He gave me a rap on the knee.
▪ He took the rap for his brother in order to protect him.
a rap on/over/across the knuckles
informal : criticism or punishment that is given in a gentle way for something that you did wrong
▪ I received a rap on the knuckles for missing the meeting.
▪ I received a rap on the knuckles for missing the meeting.
beat the rap
US, informal : to avoid being sent to jail for a crime
▪ He was arrested for assault, but he beat the rap.
▪ He was arrested for assault, but he beat the rap.
bum rap
informal 1 US : an unfair claim that someone has committed a crime or done something wrong
▪ The defendant was sent to jail on a bum rap. 2 chiefly US : a criticism or bad opinion that is not deserved or fair
▪ The teenagers say they've all gotten a bum rap because one person damaged some property. ▪ She thinks motorboats get a bum rap from environmentalists. ▪ He was given a bum rap by reviewers.
▪ The defendant was sent to jail on a bum rap.
▪ The teenagers say they've all gotten a bum rap because one person damaged some property. ▪ She thinks motorboats get a bum rap from environmentalists. ▪ He was given a bum rap by reviewers.
— compare 3rap
