槍やり玉だまに上あがる

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.

• 彼かれは会かい議ぎで失しっ敗ぱいの槍やり玉だまに上あがった。

  He was made a scapegoat for the failure at the meeting.

• 新しん入にゅう社しゃ員いんがいつも槍やり玉だまに上あがる。

  The new employee is always singled out for criticism.