Meaning
Someone blamed for the mistakes of others.
Cultural Background
The term is deeply tied to 'Eid al-Adha', where a ram is sacrificed. This makes the metaphor very vivid for native speakers. In these cultures, the word 'Fida' is often used in political slogans, making the idiom feel even more charged with political meaning. Egyptians often use 'Shamma'a' (hanger) alongside 'Kabsh Fida'. 'Shamma'a' is more for daily excuses, while 'Kabsh Fida' is for serious blame. In corporate settings in the Gulf, this phrase is used in high-level business meetings to discuss accountability and risk management.
Use in Writing
This phrase is excellent for making your Arabic essays sound more professional and analytical.
Don't Overuse
It's a strong term. Don't use it for every small argument, or it loses its impact.
Meaning
Someone blamed for the mistakes of others.
Use in Writing
This phrase is excellent for making your Arabic essays sound more professional and analytical.
Don't Overuse
It's a strong term. Don't use it for every small argument, or it loses its impact.
Plural Form
Remember to say 'Akbash Fida' (أكباش فداء) when talking about a group of people.
Face Saving
Understand that this idiom is often used to criticize the lack of accountability in organizations.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
بعد فشل المشروع، بحثت الشركة عن _______ لتبرير الخسارة.
The standard idiom always uses 'كبش' (ram).
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly in a political context?
اختر الجملة الصحيحة:
A scapegoat is used to protect others, not for their own direct crimes.
Match the Arabic phrase with its English equivalent.
صل الجملة بمعناها:
Matching synonyms and related terms.
Complete the dialogue.
أحمد: لماذا استقال المدير؟ خالد: لم يستقل، بل طردوه ليكون _______.
In the context of being fired to cover a failure, 'كبش فداء' is the most appropriate term.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesبعد فشل المشروع، بحثت الشركة عن _______ لتبرير الخسارة.
The standard idiom always uses 'كبش' (ram).
اختر الجملة الصحيحة:
A scapegoat is used to protect others, not for their own direct crimes.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Matching synonyms and related terms.
أحمد: لماذا استقال المدير؟ خالد: لم يستقل، بل طردوه ليكون _______.
In the context of being fired to cover a failure, 'كبش فداء' is the most appropriate term.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, it is not offensive to the person being called it; rather, it is a criticism of the people doing the blaming.
Yes, you can say 'هي كبش فداء'. The masculine noun 'Kabsh' is used as a generic term for the role.
'Dahiya' is a general victim. 'Kabsh Fida' is specifically someone blamed to save others.
Yes, it is understood in all dialects, though some might use 'Shamma'a' in very casual speech.
It is the standard Arabic word for a mature male sheep or ram.
Rarely. It is almost always used for people or groups (like a department or a country).
There isn't a single verb. You use 'جعل (someone) كبش فداء' (to make someone a scapegoat).
Yes, it is considered a high-level, formal idiom, perfect for news and business.
Never. It always implies unfairness and a lack of justice.
It ends with a 'Hamza' (glottal stop), which is a quick catch in the throat.
Very. Many modern Arabic novels use it to describe social injustice.
In English, yes. In Arabic, you must use 'Kabsh' (Ram), not 'Ghanam' (Sheep).
Related Phrases
ضحية
similarVictim
شماعة أخطاء
synonymA hanger for mistakes
فدائي
builds onOne who sacrifices himself for a cause
قربان
similarOffering/Sacrifice
توريط
specialized formTo implicate/entrap
