Pass the buck
Meaning
To evade responsibility for a problem or task by shifting it to someone else.
Origin
In 19th-century American poker games, players would use a 'buck'—often a knife with a buckhorn handle—to signify whose turn it was to deal. This system ensured fairness by rotating the dealer role. If a player was unwilling or unable to deal, they would 'pass the buck' to the next person, deferring the responsibility. This simple act of handing over the dealer's marker quickly evolved into a popular idiom, moving from the card table into everyday language to describe anyone attempting to shirk their duties or blame.
Examples
- When the project failed, the manager tried to pass the buck to his team members instead of admitting his own mistakes.
- Don't try to pass the buck; you were in charge of that task and its completion is your responsibility.