pass the buck: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘pass the buck’ mean?
The idiom "pass the buck" means to shift responsibility or blame onto someone else.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "the buck stops here" means taking responsibility for a situation and not passing it on to others.
"Sell the pass" is an idiom that means to betray or deceive someone, especially for personal gain. The origin of the idiom comes from historical military strategies where a pass (a narrow path through mountains or hills) would be strategically sold by a person to the opposing army, allowing them to gain access and defeat their own side. The idiom is often used to describe situations where someone betrays their own team, group, or allies.
The idiom "second fiddle" means to play a subordinate or less important role compared to someone else, often feeling overshadowed or unnoticed.
The idiom "save someone's face" means to protect someone's reputation or dignity by preventing them from feeling embarrassment or humiliation.
The idiom "run past" means to quickly mention or discuss something without going into detail or providing much information.
An idiom that refers to the spreading of false information or gossip about someone or something, often with the intention of damaging their reputation.
The idiom "rub off on" means to influence or have an impact on someone, typically in terms of their behavior, attitude, or habits.
The idiom "rod for one's back" means a self-imposed burden or problem that one creates for themselves by their own actions or choices.
The Blame Game
Pass the buck is an idiom that originated in the United States in the early 20th century. It is commonly used in American English to describe the act of shifting responsibility or blame to someone else. The phrase is derived from the game of poker, where a buck, or marker, was passed to indicate whose turn it was to deal the cards. "Pass the buck" has since evolved to encompass a broader meaning in various contexts beyond card games.
The earliest known usage of the phrase can be traced back to around 1865 in the United States. It was initially used in the literal sense to refer to passing a buck knife from one person to another. However, the figurative meaning of shifting responsibility emerged later. The expression gained popularity in the early 20th century and quickly became ingrained in American vernacular.
The idiom gained even wider recognition through its appearance in President Harry S. Truman's desk plaque, which read "the buck stops here." Truman's use of the phrase demonstrated his commitment to taking responsibility for his decisions as the leader of the country. This further solidified the idiom's association with accountability and refusing to pass blame. "The buck stops here" became a symbol of leadership and the willingness to accept responsibility.
In contemporary usage, "pass the buck" is often employed in various scenarios, from personal relationships to professional settings. It is commonly used to describe situations in which individuals avoid responsibility or attempt to shift blame onto others. This can involve transferring a problem or decision-making authority to someone else, effectively evading accountability.
However, it is important to note that "passing the buck" should not be confused with simply "handing off" a task or responsibility to someone else. While "handing off" implies a smooth transfer of responsibility with clear communication and agreement, "passing the buck" implies a lack of transparency, accountability, or willingness to address the issue at hand.
Furthermore, the idiom carries a nuance of the unwillingness or inability to confront and address issues head-on. It implies a certain degree of deceit or manipulation, as the person passing the buck seeks to avoid negative consequences or repercussions for their actions or decisions. The idiom highlights the importance of taking ownership and not evading responsibility in order to maintain trust and integrity.
On the other hand, the phrase "the buck stops here" represents a contrasting concept. It signifies the end of the line, where the responsibility ultimately lies. Instead of passing the buck, this idiom emphasizes taking ownership and accepting accountability.
The related idiom "point fingers" is often used interchangeably with "pass the buck" to describe the act of blaming others for one's own mistakes or shortcomings. Rather than taking responsibility, individuals engage in finger-pointing to deflect blame and avoid facing the consequences of their actions.
Similarly, the idiom "pass on" shares a similar meaning to "pass the buck." It describes the act of refusing to take responsibility for a task or decision and passing it on to someone else. This passing on can be intentional, with the aim of evading responsibility, or may occur due to a genuine lack of capability or authority.
Lastly, the idiom "parade passed someone by" can be related to "pass the buck" in terms of missed opportunities or neglecting to seize responsibility or action. When a parade passes someone by, it means they have failed to actively participate or take part in the event or situation. Similarly, in the context of responsibility, if someone lets an opportunity pass them by, they are effectively avoiding it or neglecting to take ownership.
"Pass the buck" is an idiom deeply rooted in American English. Its origins lie in the game of poker, where a buck was passed to indicate whose turn it was to deal cards. Over time, the phrase evolved to embody the act of shifting responsibility or blame to others. With its association to President Truman and the concept of accountability, the idiom has become ingrained in American culture. It serves as a reminder of the importance of taking ownership and facing challenges directly, as well as the potential consequences of evading responsibility.
Example usage
1. When the manager was questioned about the mistake, he passed the buck to his subordinates, saying they were responsible for the error.
2. Instead of taking responsibility for his actions, the politician decided to pass the buck and blame his opponent for the controversy.
3. During the meeting, the team members kept passing the buck, each one blaming someone else for the project's delay.
More "Responsibility" idioms
