expression, godan verb (-ru)
be made an example of; be singled out for criticism; be exposed to ridicule
Used when someone is publicly targeted, blamed, or ridiculed, often as a scapegoat or to make a point. The expression originates from the image of a head being raised on a spear.
彼は会議で失敗の槍玉に上がった。
He was made a scapegoat for the failure at the meeting.
新入社員がいつも
The new employee is always singled out for criticism.