Who's "The Man"?

Woman shows up late for an appointment today. Says, "Sorry, I got held up by the man", meaning what? Her husband had to do his make-up, she got pulled over by a policeman, Obama came by to audit her and up her taxes, or did Jesus stopped in to warn her of his second coming? Why can't people just leave blame where it usually belongs? It's her fault she was late regardless... Shoulda been like, "Jesus, I hate to run, but the foot man is gonna be pissed if I'm late again!"