n.
1.someone who takes the place of another (as when things get dangerous or difficult)
2.a person who reduces the intensity (e.g., of fears) and calms and pacifies
3.a pitcher who does not start the game
Idiom of the Day
take the rap for (someone or something)
to receive punishment for something, to be accused and punished for something, to receive punishment in place of someone else
The owner of the restaurant was forced to take the rap for permitting underage workers to work at night.