The term 'ASSIGN, AS BLAME' can be broken down into four crossword solutions: PINON (5 letters), LAY (3 letters), ALLOT (5 letters), and RATE (4 letters). PINON is a type of pine tree native to the southwestern United States. To LAY means to put something down in a flat position. ALLOT is to give out or assign a portion of something. Finally, RATE is to assign a numerical value to something. Together, these words describe the act of assigning blame to someone or something.