play the victim card

idiomatic

(idiomatic) To portray oneself as an innocent victim instead of taking responsibility.

Japanese Meaning

被害者役を演じる、つまり自分を無実の犠牲者として表現し、責任を回避する行為を指す。 / 自分が被害を受けたと強調し、非難や義務から逃れるために被害者の立場を利用する行動。

When criticized for missing the deadline, he tried to play the victim card instead of admitting his mistake.

締め切りを守れなかったことで批判されると、彼は自分の過ちを認める代わりに被害者のふりをしようとした。

Sense（1）

(idiomatic) To portray oneself as an innocent victim instead of taking responsibility.

The serial killer played the victim card as he blamed others for his actions.

plays the victim card

（ present singular third-person ）

playing the victim card

（ participle present ）

played the victim card

（ participle past ）

played the victim card

（ past ）