lightning rod
Noun
Meaning
a metallic conductor that is attached to a high point and leads to the ground; protects the building from destruction by lightning
someone who is a frequent target of negative reactions and serves to distract attention from another
Source: WordNetAlternative names
lightning-rod
Synonyms
Antonyms
Show all antonymsHypernyms
Examples
I'd rather be a lightning rod than a seismograph.
I seem to be some sort of lightning rod. I just really irritate people, you know? I really do.
The best lightning rod for your protection is your own spine.
I'd rather be a lightning rod than a seismograph.
I think they just thought she would be a good kind of lightning rod. We did one or two rehearsals, and I know for a fact that people liked her legs.
In many ways, I think I served as a lightning rod.