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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