Meaning
To accuse someone else of being responsible for a problem.
Cultural Background
The French have a complex relationship with 'la faute' (guilt). In the workplace, there is often a 'culture de la faute' where finding a culprit is more important than fixing the system. This idiom is a sharp tool to criticize that behavior. In Quebec, while the idiom is understood, you might more frequently hear 'lancer la balle' (to throw the ball) or 'se défiler' (to slip away) in similar contexts. Belgian French uses this idiom similarly to France, often in the context of the complex federal political system where different regions might 'rejeter la pierre' on each other. In countries like Senegal or Ivory Coast, formal French idioms are highly respected in journalism and law. This phrase is used to denote a lack of integrity in leadership.
Use it in Essays
This is a high-scoring idiom for the DALF C1 exam. It shows you can use metaphorical language to discuss social issues.
Don't over-dramatize
If you use this for a tiny mistake (like forgetting to buy milk), it will sound sarcastic or weirdly intense.
Meaning
To accuse someone else of being responsible for a problem.
Use it in Essays
This is a high-scoring idiom for the DALF C1 exam. It shows you can use metaphorical language to discuss social issues.
Don't over-dramatize
If you use this for a tiny mistake (like forgetting to buy milk), it will sound sarcastic or weirdly intense.
The 'Bouc Émissaire' connection
When you use this phrase, you are often implying that someone is being made a scapegoat. It's a powerful accusation.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition and article.
Il est trop facile de rejeter la pierre ___ ___ autres quand on échoue.
The idiom 'rejeter la pierre' is always followed by the preposition 'sur'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly in a formal context?
Context: A CEO discussing a failed merger.
This is the correct formal idiomatic expression.
Match the register with the correct sentence.
Registers: 1. Formal, 2. Informal, 3. Slang
'Autrui' is very formal; 'C'est pas moi' is simple/informal; 'Balance' is slang.
What would the second speaker say to express that they are being unfairly blamed?
Speaker A: 'Le projet a échoué à cause de ton manque d'organisation.' Speaker B: '_________________'
This correctly uses the idiom to deflect an unfair accusation.
Match the situation to the most likely use of the idiom.
Situations: A. A child breaks a toy. B. A politician loses an election. C. A scientist finds a mistake in a peer's work.
The idiom is most appropriate for serious, public, or professional deflections of blame.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Jeter vs. Rejeter
Practice Bank
5 exercisesIl est trop facile de rejeter la pierre ___ ___ autres quand on échoue.
The idiom 'rejeter la pierre' is always followed by the preposition 'sur'.
Context: A CEO discussing a failed merger.
This is the correct formal idiomatic expression.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
'Autrui' is very formal; 'C'est pas moi' is simple/informal; 'Balance' is slang.
Speaker A: 'Le projet a échoué à cause de ton manque d'organisation.' Speaker B: '_________________'
This correctly uses the idiom to deflect an unfair accusation.
Situations: A. A child breaks a toy. B. A politician loses an election. C. A scientist finds a mistake in a peer's work.
The idiom is most appropriate for serious, public, or professional deflections of blame.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 'Rejeter la faute' is much more common in daily life. 'Rejeter la pierre' is more literary and impactful.
It is technically a mistake, but many natives say it. To be correct, use 'Jeter... à' or 'Rejeter... sur'.
It's not rude, but it is an accusation. If you say it to someone, you are telling them they are being unfair.
The opposite would be 'Assumer ses responsabilités' (to take responsibility) or 'Prendre la faute sur soi'.
No, you cannot 'rejeter la pierre' for something good. It is strictly for blame and mistakes.
Usually yes, but you can also reject the stone on an institution, a concept (like 'the system'), or fate.
Yes, very often in management discussions and reports to describe a lack of accountability.
Je rejette, tu rejettes, il rejette, nous rejetons, vous rejetez, ils rejettent.
It represents the weight of guilt or the punishment associated with a mistake.
Yes, 'balancer quelqu'un' is the slang equivalent for 'throwing someone under the bus'.
Related Phrases
Bouc émissaire
similarScapegoat
Laver son linge sale en famille
contrastTo settle private matters privately.
Se défausser
synonymTo shirk responsibility.
Prendre pour son grade
builds onTo be severely reprimanded.
