the buck stops here
A statement that no excuses will be made, that the speaker is going to take direct responsibility for matters, rather than pass the responsibility to higher authorities.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I am the manager, so the buck stops here.”
“I am the captain of this ship, so the buck stops here.”
“When the project failed, the director told the team that the buck stops here and accepted full responsibility.”
“As the head chef, I know the buck stops here if a customer is unhappy with their meal tonight.”
“The store owner told the new staff that the buck stops here regarding any mistakes with the daily cash count.”
“By declaring that the buck stops here, the leader signaled to the board that he would personally account for every decision made during the crisis.”
Popularized by US President Harry Truman. The phrase is based on the metaphorical expression passing the buck, derived from poker gameplay, that came to mean "passing blame", or absolving oneself of responsibility or concern by denying authority or jurisdiction over a given matter.
- 01
bang for the buck
Efficiency; cost-effectiveness; value.
- 02
big bucks
Lots of money.
- 03
break the buck
To fall below the value of one dollar per share.
- 04
buck fever
Excitement and nervousness felt by a new hunter upon seeing game.
- 05
buck for
To strive for persistently; to try hard to obtain (a promotion, raise, etc.).
- 06
buck off
Of a horse or other animal, to rear up on its hind legs in order to throw off or dislodge its rider.
- 07
buck the trend
To go against the norm or the current stand of the main population; have a differing opinion from the majority.
- 08
buck up
Cheer up; take courage; take heart.
Last updated August 10, 2026