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

So I was not surprised when I originally contacted United and a spokeswoman promptly passed the buck.

From New York Times • Jul. 29, 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

Well, to your point, pretty much the US courts have passed the buck on this all the time.

From The Verge • May 11, 2021

At any rate Grim had passed the buck back to her.

From The Lion of Petra by Mundy, Talbot