passed the buck

VERB

pass responsibility on to another

Synonyms

WEAK

cop out dodge duck get out of pass on relay slide out of

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Ashley says he spoke to his travel insurance company, his airline and travel agent and "they all passed the buck."

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

Mr. Sullivan also gave a frank assessment of Twitter’s weaknesses, saying that the company had failed to hang on to new users and employees had passed the buck on fixing tough problems.

From New York Times • May 12, 2022

“Your sales team has continually passed the buck to each of us, in order to hide their own ability to properly support our shows,” the letter says.

From The Verge • Mar. 22, 2022

“It’s a joke. Ryu passed the buck and I don’t see what actual plans Nithya’s office has.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2021

"Zippo!" says I. "Then he's passed the buck back on Nivens."

From Wilt Thou Torchy by Ford, Sewell