be to blame

be to blame

To be the cause of something harmful or unpleasant. I heard that slippery roads were to blame for the accident here this morning.
See also: blame
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

to blame, be

Be responsible for or guilty of something wrong or bad, as in Obviously the teacher was to blame for the chaos in the classroom, or Mary was not to blame for these errors. [Early 1200s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

be to ˈblame (for something)

be responsible for something bad: If anyone’s to blame, it’s me. Which driver was to blame for the accident?
See also: blame
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • to blame, be
  • to blame
  • place the blame for (something) on (someone or something)
  • place the blame on (someone or something) for (something)
  • the finger of blame
  • lay the blame on
  • lay the blame on (one)
  • place the blame on
  • put the blame on
  • put the blame on (someone or something)
References in periodicals archive
THE Coventry City coach driver fingered by Highfield Road boss Gordon Strachan as the man behind the club's amazing run of away form today admitted: "I might be to blame."
Football: COACH IS KEY FOR SUCCESS