pin on

Related to pin on: without a hitch, take a back seat, level with, along the lines

pin (something) on (one)

To blame or try to frame one for a crime, transgression, or wrongdoing of which they are innocent. They tried to pin the theft on me just because I had access to the safe that day. The police pinned the murder on him because he was a convenient suspect, even though they had no real proof. No way, you ain't pinning this on me!
See also: on, pin
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

pin something on someone or something

to hang something on someone or something by pinning. (See also pin something on someone.) The mayor pinned the medal on the boy who had rescued the swimmer. I pinned a yellow ribbon on my lapel.
See also: on, pin

pin something on someone

Fig. Inf. to blame something on someone; to frame someone for a crime; to make it appear that an innocent person has actually committed a crime. (See also pin something on someone or something.) Don't try to pin that crime on me! I didn't do it. The gang member tried to pin the crime on a rival gang.
See also: on, pin
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

pin on

Attribute to someone, especially a wrongdoing or crime. For example, They pinned the murder on the wrong man. This expression uses pin in the sense of "attach." [First half of 1900s]
See also: on, pin
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

pin on

v.
1. To hang or secure something onto someone or something using a pin or pins: I pinned a flower on my hat. I pinned on a corsage to my sleeve.
2. To ascribe responsibility for something, especially something that is worthy of blame, to someone: The detective pinned the murder on the wrong suspect.
See also: on, pin
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • pin (something) on (one)
  • pinned
  • penalize
  • penalize (someone or something) for (something)
  • penalize for
  • nail (one) to the wall
  • nail somebody to the wall
  • nail someone to the wall
  • squeal on
  • squeal on (one)