being a punching bag

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrasefigurativeinformal

   The state or experience of being repeatedly criticized, attacked, or blamed by others, so that one feels like a target.

   Grammar: The phrase functions as a noun-like complement after 'be' or as a gerund subject; it is not usually used with an object.

   Patterns

   • be being a punching bag
   • feel like being a punching bag
   • being a punching bag for someone

   After the scandal, the manager felt like he was being a punching bag for the whole company.

   She complained that being a punching bag for her boss's anger was exhausting.

   In online debates, it's easy to end up being a punching bag for trolls.

2. 2phrasefixed phrasesport

   Literally, the act of serving as a heavy bag that someone hits for practice in boxing or martial arts.

   Grammar: Used literally, it describes a person or thing that receives physical punches; it is less common than the figurative sense.

   Patterns

   • being a punching bag for someone
   • use someone as a punching bag

   In the gym, being a punching bag for a professional boxer is not an easy job.

   He was being a punching bag for his sparring partner during training.

Common combinations

feel like a punching bag

After the meeting, I felt like a punching bag.

be someone's punching bag

He was tired of being his boss's punching bag.

use someone as a punching bag

Don't use me as a punching bag for your frustration.

become a punching bag

The politician became a punching bag for the media.

Synonyms and how they differ

scapegoat

A scapegoat is blamed for others' mistakes, while a punching bag is repeatedly attacked or criticized, often without reason.

target

Target is a more neutral word for someone that attacks are aimed at; punching bag emphasizes the repeated, heavy nature of the attacks.

whipping boy

Whipping boy is similar but slightly more literary and suggests being punished for others' faults.

Opposites

Word family

punching bag noun

A heavy bag hung or mounted for punching in boxing training.

punchbag noun

British spelling of punching bag.

Commonly confused: being a punching bag or punching bag?

Practice

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