lightning rod
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- a tall metal pole placed high on a structure, as a building or tower, and attached to a ground so as to attract lightning and protect the structure from damage
- a person or thing that attracts controversy, strong feelings, etc. and diverts them from some other potential object or target
See lightning rod in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun- A grounded metal rod placed high on a structure to prevent damage by conducting lightning to the ground.
- One that attracts and absorbs powerful, typically negative feelings and reactions, thereby diverting interest from other issues: “[His] business dealings have become a lightning rod for criticism” (Walter Shapiro).
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