lightning rod
noun[C]
mainlyUSus/ˈlaɪt.nɪŋ ˌrɑːd/uk/ˈlaɪt.nɪŋ ˌrɒd/(UKusuallylightning conductor)lightning rodnoun[C](METAL STRIP)
(UKlightning conductor)
astripofmetal, going from thehighestpointof abuildingto theground, thatpreventslightningfromdamagingthebuildingby taking theelectricityto thegroundbefore it canreachadangerouslevel
Poles, rods, shafts and sticks
- bar
- bargepole
- baton
- billy club
- boathook
- bollard
- lathi-charge
- lightning conductor
- litter grabber
- litter pick
- litter picker
- mast
- pointer
- shaft
- stake
- telegraph pole
- telephone pole
- tent pole
- totem pole
- trash grabber
lightning rodnoun[C](FOR CRITICISM)
someone or something thattakesall theblameorcriticismin asituation,althoughotherpeopleor things areresponsibletoo:
In aharsheconomicclimate,raisesforpoliticianshavebecomealightningrodforcriticism.
Blaming & accusing
- a bad workman blames his toolsidiom
- accusatory
- accuser
- accusingly
- alleged
- allegedly
- blame
- contributory negligence
- denunciation
- finger
- incriminate
- indict
- lay
- laysomethingatsomeone'sdooridiom
- levelsomethingagainst/atsomeone
- lightning conductor
- McCarthyite
- misattribute
- nail
- sacrificial lamb