lightning conductor
noun /ˈlaɪtnɪŋ kəndʌktə(r)/
/ˈlaɪtnɪŋ kəndʌktər/
(British English) (also lightning rod especially in North American English)
- a long straight piece of metal or wire leading from the highest part of a building to the ground, put there to prevent lightning damaging the building
- a person or thing that attracts criticism, especially if the criticism is then not directed at somebody/something else