blame

Everyday

1. To blame someone means to say or think that they caused something bad. tree →
2. The blame is the responsibility for something bad that happened. tree →
3. «To be to blame» means to be the one who caused it. tree →

In the lessons

In stories and in lessons about friendship and honesty, blaming shows who is held responsible; blaming someone else for your own mistake is unfair and a kind of lie. In science, to find what is «to blame» for a result means to find its cause. Phrases: blame someone for something, take the blame, put the blame on, don't blame me, be to blame.

Examples

• Don't blame your sister; you broke the vase. tree →
• He blamed the dog for eating his homework. tree →
• Who is to blame for this mess? tree →
• She took the blame even though it wasn't her fault. tree →
• The storm was to blame for the fallen tree. tree →
• I don't blame you for being upset. tree →
• It's not fair to blame someone without checking first. tree →
• They put the blame on the new boy. tree →

Note

Pattern: blame someone FOR something («blamed him for the mess») or blame something ON someone («blamed the mess on him»). «Blame» as a noun is uncountable: no «a blame». Owning up honestly is usually better than letting someone else take the blame.

In Jewish tradition

To "bear the blame" means to carry the guilt forever, as Judah promises to do for Benjamin.

Interpretation. Judah's promise shows him taking responsibility, and tradition says that is why kingship came from his tribe.

Examples

• For thy servant became surety for the lad unto my father, saying: If I bring him not unto thee, then shall I bear the blame to my father for ever. (Torah GEN.44.32, JPS 1917) tree →
• I will be surety for him; of my hand shalt thou require him; if I bring him not unto thee, and set him before thee, then let me bear the blame for ever. (Torah GEN.43.9, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Pattern: blame someone FOR something («blamed him for the mess») or blame something ON someone («blamed the mess on him»). «Blame» as a noun is uncountable: no «a blame». Owning up honestly is usually better than letting someone else take the blame.