ENGLISH
REFERENCE

the buck stops here

idiom
Meaning

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.


Origin

disputed origin

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.

Examples
SIMPLE

I am the manager, so the buck stops here.

CONTEXTUAL

When the project failed, the director told the team that the buck stops here and accepted full responsibility.

COMPLEX

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.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bang for the buck

    Efficiency; cost-effectiveness; value.

  2. 02

    big bucks

    Lots of money.

  3. 03

    break the buck

    To fall below the value of one dollar per share.

  4. 04

    buck fever

    Excitement and nervousness felt by a new hunter upon seeing game.

  5. 05

    buck for

    To strive for persistently; to try hard to obtain (a promotion, raise, etc.).

  6. 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.

  7. 07

    buck the trend

    To go against the norm or the current stand of the main population; have a differing opinion from the majority.

  8. 08

    buck up

    Cheer up; take courage; take heart.

Last updated April 17, 2026