Pass the buck

Suggest a Correction

Meaning

To shift blame or duty to someone else, dodging it.

Origin

From 19th-century America, tied to poker; 'buck' was a knife passed to mark the dealer, slang by 1865 for shifting. A 1912 'New York Times' uses it for a dodged chore.

Usage Examples

  • He passed the buck when the plan failed.
  • Don't pass the buck; own your mistake!
  • She passed the buck to the new guy.

Browse More

A to Z More P phrases