lightning rod

• Tige métallique fixée sur un bâtiment pour le protéger de la foudre en conduisant la décharge électrique vers le sol. Au sens figuré, personne ou chose qui attire les critiques, les disputes ou l'attention négative.

A metal rod mounted on a building to protect it from lightning strikes by directing electrical discharge safely into the ground. Figuratively, it refers to a person or thing that attracts criticism, controversy, or negative attention.

1. Physical objectB2formal

   A metal rod mounted on a building to protect it from lightning by directing the electrical discharge into the ground.

   Paratonnerre

   • The church installed a lightning rod on its steeple.
   • Lightning rods are essential for tall buildings in storm-prone areas.
   • The old house had a copper lightning rod on the roof.

2. Figurative meaningC1informal

   A person or thing that attracts criticism, controversy, or negative attention.

   Paratonnerre (sens figuré)

   • The politician became a lightning rod for public anger over taxes.
   • The controversial policy acted as a lightning rod for debate.
   • He was a lightning rod for criticism within the company.