What it means
To shift the blame means trying to wriggle out of the mess by pinning the fault on someone else. Something goes wrong and instead of owning it, you start chucking fingers at a co-worker, the system, bad timing, pure bad luck, whatever keeps you looking spotless. It usually lands as sneaky, weak, and a bit shameless.
Usage examples
"Rather than apologise, he tried to shift the blame onto the delivery company."
"The manager shifted the blame onto the new intern, even though it was his own decision."
"The second the numbers dipped, he shifted the blame onto the new software and went home early."
"Don't try to shift the blame on me, mate, you're the one who left the gate open all night."
"Soon as the plan flopped, she shifted the blame onto the lad who'd only been there two days."
