noun
foil; sacrificial lamb; someone set up to lose
Refers to a person or entity deliberately placed in a losing position to make another look stronger or more impressive. Often used in competitive contexts like sports, business, or storytelling.
彼は新入社員を噛ませ犬にして、自分の有能さをアピールした。
He used the new employee as a foil to show off his own competence.
あの試合では、相手
In that match, the opposing team's ace was treated like a sacrificial lamb.
当て馬 is a similar metaphor from horse breeding, meaning a decoy or someone used to provoke a reaction, often in romantic contexts. 噛ませ犬 is broader and more about making someone look good by comparison.
引き立て役 is a more neutral term for a supporting role that enhances another's appeal, while 噛ませ犬 implies a deliberate setup where the person is expected to lose or be humiliated.
Literally 'a dog made to bite'. The phrase originates from dogfighting, where a weaker dog is used to provoke a stronger one, making the stronger dog look more impressive. The metaphorical use extends this idea to any situation where someone is set up to fail for another's benefit.