pass the buck

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.

Instead of appealing to its southern neighbor to do better, Canada is coordinating with the U.S. to pass the buck on the legal obligation to protect refugees, which both countries undertook when they signed the Refugee Convention and Protocol more than 50 years ago.

From Los Angeles Times

The three-time all-American couldn’t pass the buck to the referees for his foul trouble, as he picked up his fourth with a misguided elbow as he attempted to fight for rebounding position.

From Washington Post

“Don’t try to pass the buck to the software,” he said.

From Washington Post

Labour has argued the prime minister should sack Mr Zahawi before the investigation concludes, calling it a "pathetic attempt to pass the buck".

From BBC

“This pathetic attempt to pass the buck is simply not good enough,” said Angela Rayner, the deputy Labour leader, stressing that Zahawi was chancellor of the exchequer — in charge of spending tax revenue — while negotiating a settlement with the tax collectors.

From Washington Post