To take the blame or accept criticism for something (often as a fall guy or to shield others).
彼がミスの責任を泥をかぶってくれたので、チームはなんとか乗り切れた。
He took the blame for the mistake, so the team managed to get through it.
上司は不正の責任を若手に押し付け、彼は泥をかぶらされた。
The boss shifted responsibility for the misconduct onto a junior, and he was made to take the blame.
社長が社員の不祥事の責任を泥をかぶって辞任した。
The president resigned, taking the blame for an employee scandal.