He grew up in a time when people still believed in the old saying: spare the 'rod' and spoil the child. [=believed that children should be physically punished for bad behavior in order to be raised correctly]
He has served well as his boss's 'lightning rod'. [=he takes blame or criticism that might have been directed at his boss]
The company has become a 'lightning rod for' the public's anger.
(..) Frohliche Weihnachten. That's German for " Merry Christmas." In Germany, Santa's servant Ruprecht gives presents to good children... and whipping rods to the parents of bad ones. Merry Kurisumasu. I am Hotseiosha, a japanese priest who acts like Santa Claus. I have eyes (..)1989 TvShow: The Simpsons Title: Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire Season: 1 Episode 1