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Region: US | Usage example: The CEO said the buck stops here when the product failed.

The buck stops here

Meaning

Accepting responsibility for a decision or outcome.

Usage

Used when someone refuses to pass blame upward.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Popularized by Truman, who kept a sign with the phrase on his desk.

Gained currency in mid-20th century American accountability talk.

Related Idioms

Pass the buck

Shift responsibility to someone else.

Bang for your buck

Good value for the money spent.

Pull out all the stops

Use every resource available to achieve something.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.