expression
scapegoating a subordinate; passing the buck to a lower-ranking person
Idiomatic expression likening the act of a superior evading responsibility by blaming a subordinate to a lizard shedding its tail. Often used in organizational or political contexts.
不祥事が発覚すると、上司はトカゲの尻尾切りで部下に責任を押し付けた。
When the scandal came to light, the boss scapegoated a subordinate, like a lizard shedding its tail.
この辞任は典型的なトカゲの尻尾切りだ。
This resignation is a classic case of passing the buck to a lower-ranking person.
From the behavior of lizards (トカゲ) that shed (切り) their tails (尻尾) to escape predators. The idiom figuratively applies this to a superior abandoning a subordinate to evade blame.