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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Distinguish shifting a problem to someone else from accepting responsibility for a decision or mistake.
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Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptTo “pass the buck” is to shift responsibility for a problem to someone else. “Shift the blame” specifically means trying to make another person seem responsible for your mistake. “The buck stops here” means the speaker accepts final responsibility, while “That’s on me” is a casual way to admit responsibility for a particular mistake. The lesson treats the poker-marker origin as a proposed history, not a proven fact.
Cultural note: These expressions can accuse someone of avoiding responsibility, so describe the specific action rather than labeling a coworker. Taking responsibility for a decision does not mean accepting blame for events outside your control. “My bad” and “That’s on me” are casual; they may not fit a formal apology or serious incident.
Keep exploringWhen a problem appears, English has phrases for redirecting responsibility—and for making clear that you will handle it.
Phrase guide · 4 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Name the difference between handing off a task and avoiding accountability.
Meaning
Avoid responsibility for a problem by making someone else deal with it.
Tone & use
Informal and critical. It implies an unfair shift, not an ordinary, agreed handoff of work.
Example
“Rather than pass the buck, the coordinator explained the delay and arranged the next step.”
Meaning
Try to make someone else seem responsible for a mistake or problem.
Tone & use
Critical and more explicit than “pass the buck”; use it when the issue is blame, not simply who will complete a task.
Example
“The report described what happened instead of shifting the blame to a new employee.”
Use the phrase associated with accepting responsibility at the top level.
Meaning
The speaker accepts final responsibility for a decision or outcome.
Tone & use
Often associated with a leader or decision-maker. It signals accountability, not that one person did every task.
Example
“The director told the team, “The buck stops here; I approved the timeline, and I will explain the change.””
Compare a casual admission with more formal language.
Meaning
That is my responsibility or my mistake.
Tone & use
Casual and common in speech. In a formal setting, “I take responsibility” may be more appropriate.
Example
“I sent the outdated file—that’s on me. I will send the corrected version now.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
Try it · Choose the best expression
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