The buck stops here

Meaning

Accepting responsibility for a decision or outcome.

Usage

Used when someone refuses to pass blame upward.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

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

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