ˈlightning ˌrod noun [countable] American English

1. a lightning conductor

2. someone or something who gets most of the criticism, blame, or public attention when there is a problem, although they may not be responsible for it
be a lightning rod for something
The senator has become a lightning rod for criticism.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

lightning rod
[American]
someone or something that takes all the blame for a situation, although other people or things are responsible too.
In a harsh economic climate, raises for teachers have become a lightning rod for criticism.
(often + for)

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲