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idiom

The buck stops here

thuh BUK stopz heer

/ðə bʌk stɒps hɪər/

Listen

Hear it in a clear American voice. Slow it down to catch each syllable.

Syllable breakdown

thebuckstopshere

Dictionary meaning

A declaration that one accepts final responsibility for decisions and their consequences and will not pass blame onto others.

Examples

  • As department secretary, she said plainly: 'The buck stops here.'
  • The buck stops here — I authorised the programme and I will answer for its failures.

Pronunciation tips

Made famous by U.S. President Harry S. Truman, who kept a sign with this phrase on his desk.

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