垫背 (diànbèi) to suffer for the faults of others
Usage:
“垫背”本来是说人死后下葬时在尸体下面放财物。现在比喻一个人犯的错误也让其他人一起分担或顶替。
“垫背” originally refers to putting money under the dead body when burying it. Nowadays it meteorically means suffering for the faults of others.
Sentences:
1、Nà shìtā zìjǐ de cuòwù, kě bàngōngshì qítā rén dōu yào gěi tā dāng diànbèi.
那是他自己的错误,可办公室其他人都要给他当垫背。
That was John’s own fault, but other guys in the office had to suffer for his fault.
2、Zuìfàn fēng kuáng hǎndào: “jiùsuàn wǒ sǐ, yě yào lā gè diànbèi de!”
罪犯疯狂喊道:“就算我死,也要拉个垫背的!”
“I will take someone with me if I have to die.” the criminal shouted madly.