[Slang] PASS THE BUCK. - Understanding Responsibility Through Idioms
Pass the buck.
Shifting responsibility.
Pass the buck" means to shift responsibility onto someone else. It comes from poker gameplay, where a "buck" (a marker) was passed to show whose turn it was to deal. Now, it’s about shifting blame or duties to others instead of being accountable.
Example Sentences
He just likes to pass the buck when things get tough.
He tends to shift the responsibility when things are difficult.
Don't pass the buck; just admit you forgot to do your homework.
Don't try to shift the blame; just admit you forgot to do your homework.
Whenever there's a problem, it seems like everyone wants to pass the buck rather than solving it.
Whenever there's a problem, it seems like everyone wants to avoid solving it and shift the responsibility.