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.

Although Manuel, Barker and Miss J pass the buck plenty of times, too, the agonizing recall of their collective firing in 2012 allows them to come off more sympathetically.

From Salon • Feb. 20, 2026

Indeed, her focus on grand jury materials controlled by the judiciary is plainly an effort to pass the buck and obscure the fact that she has some independent authority to disclose information.

From Slate • Jul. 25, 2025

"They are all trying to pass the buck so that no one says yes I made this decision knowing that should a fire occur it would be one of complete devastation."

From BBC • Aug. 23, 2024

Mr. Sanders said the judge might not let Mr. Trump and his sons pass the buck to accountants and other outside help.

From Washington Times • Nov. 3, 2023

So he had decided to try and pass the buck.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols