Lay at the feet of Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To blame someone for something or make them responsible for a problem or situation, usually in a figurative or idiomatic sense.
Usage & Nuances
Used in formal and informal speech, often in news, writing, or serious conversations. Implies attribution of blame or responsibility, sometimes unfairly. Common with problems, failures, or negative outcomes. Often followed by 'someone' or an entity ('They laid the blame at the feet of the manager'). Not literal; rarely used in everyday casual talking.
Example Sentences
They laid the blame at the feet of the new coach after the team lost.
basic
Many problems were laid at the feet of the management.
basic
The failure was laid at the feet of the entire team.
basic
You can't just lay all your problems at the feet of your parents.
natural
It's unfair to lay this crisis at the feet of a single person.
natural
Politicians often try to lay the country's problems at the feet of their opponents.
natural