1. The Greyhound Bus:
* This theory suggests the phrase originates from the practice of throwing luggage and belongings under a bus to free up space for passengers.
* This practice was common on Greyhound buses, especially in the 1950s and 60s, where space was limited.
* This interpretation implies being "thrown under the bus" means being sacrificed or discarded to benefit others.
2. The Automobile:
* Another theory suggests the phrase arose in the context of car accidents, specifically during hit-and-runs.
* If someone was hit by a car and left for dead, they were essentially "thrown under the bus" by the driver who fled the scene.
* This interpretation implies betrayal and being left to suffer the consequences alone.
3. Political Context:
* Some believe the phrase emerged in the political sphere, where politicians might abandon a colleague or subordinate to save their own reputation or career.
* The phrase is often used to describe a situation where someone is scapegoated or blamed for a failure, while those responsible are spared.
4. Military Context:
* A more recent interpretation connects the phrase to military situations.
* In wartime, soldiers might be ordered to sacrifice themselves to save others or achieve a strategic objective, implying being "thrown under the bus" in the line of duty.
5. Combination of Theories:
* It's likely that the phrase evolved through a combination of these influences.
* The Greyhound bus theory is particularly strong due to its widespread use during the 20th century, but other contexts might have contributed to its development.
Ultimately, the exact origin of "thrown under the bus" remains unclear. Regardless of its precise history, the phrase has become a powerful idiom reflecting betrayal, sacrifice, and being left to suffer the consequences alone.