punching bag

Noun

punching bag (plural punching bags)

1. (US) A tough bag, usually cylindrical, filled with air, sand, or other material, often suspended so that it swings freely, which is punched or kicked when practising sports such as boxing or martial arts.

   Synonyms:

   punchbag

2. (US, figuratively) A person serving as an object of abuse.
   • For so long, Theon Greyjoy was the punching bag of Game of Thrones, a sort of shitty Charlie Brown who not only failed to kick the football, but would then be beaten savagely with it every time he landed on his ass.2019 April 14, Alex McLevy, “Winter is Here on Game of Thrones’ Final Season Premiere (Newbies)”, in The A.V. Club, archived from the original on 18 Dec 2020
   • The response was swift, and [Harold] Bloom became a punching bag for leftist critics, who valued literature’s power to deliver social and political messages for the underrepresented.2025 June 16, Eric Bulson, “Yes I Will Read ‘Ulysses’ Yes”, in The Atlantic, →ISSN, archived from the original on 16 Jun 2025

   Synonyms:

   punchbag