Phrasal verb
buck for
Definition
phrasal verb. you use this when you are working very hard or trying to impress your boss because you want a promotion or a special favor.
phrasal verb. to strive for or work toward a specific goal, typically a promotion or commendation, often by attempting to curry favor with superiors. Transitive and inseparable, requiring an object representing the desired outcome.
Examples
“He is bucking for a promotion this year.”
“Ever since the new manager arrived, Sarah has been bucking for that supervisor role by staying late every night.”
“Despite his colleagues' resentment, the ambitious junior officer spent his weekends bucking for a commendation from the general.”
Examples
simple
“He is bucking for a promotion this year.”
contextual
“Ever since the new manager arrived, Sarah has been bucking for that supervisor role by staying late every night.”
complex
“Despite his colleagues' resentment, the ambitious junior officer spent his weekends bucking for a commendation from the general.”
Usage
Usually followed by a noun like 'promotion', 'raise', or 'favor'.
Teaching tip
Note the American military origins where soldiers would 'buck' for a pass or a stripe; it implies a level of obvious effort that might annoy peers.
Pitfall
He is bucking to a promotion.
He is bucking for a promotion.
The verb 'buck' requires the preposition 'for' when it means striving to obtain something.
Phrasal verb
Particles
for
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
buck + for + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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