Showing results for passed the buck. Search instead for passed+the+buck.

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

Let that be burned into the conscience of those in the Blackhawks organization who passed the buck and those in the NHL Players’ Assn. who didn’t follow up after Beach consulted an NHLPA-affiliated therapist.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 29, 2021

Starrett, not yet in the wine-flush of his heavy courtesy, passed the buck with a frown of annoyance.

From Diane of the Green Van by Dalrymple, Leona