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The TVTropes Trope Finder is where you can come to ask questions like "Do we have this one?" and "What's the trope about...?" Trying to rediscover a long lost show or other medium but need a little help? Head to Media Finder and try your luck there. Want to propose a new trope? You should be over at the Trope Launch Pad.

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Zakura Since: Aug, 2011
2025-04-01 06:25:31

We have Threaten All to Find One where collective punishment is threatened to force the troublemaker to confess. Per the laconic and some examples, actually going through with it seems to be covered as well.

Chariset Since: Jan, 2001
2025-04-01 10:37:17

That's close enough, I suppose. In the scenario I'm thinking, the authority figure DOES know who is the problem, but they punish the whole group and let them know it's one particular person's fault.

In some cases the whole group except the troublemaker is punished, just to stoke the flames

eroock Since: Sep, 2012
2025-04-01 17:28:51

...which is likely incorrect, as the trope is intended to compel the character into compliance solely through the threat of collateral punishment.

Chariset Since: Jan, 2001
2025-04-01 21:10:19

The Full Metal Jacket example is the kind of thing I'm after. It was also given a nod in a sitcom called Sister Kate. And it also appeared in Mulan.

Tropes are flexible, and I can't think of more than a handful of examples anyway

Edited by Chariset
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