# the buck stops here

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/the-buck-stops-here
Updated: 2026-08-10

## 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.

## Examples

- 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.

## 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.