“Buck” is a slang term for a dollar. For example, “Can I borrow 10 bucks?” So, you may think that the phrase to pass the buck has a positive meaning similar to “giving someone money.” However, it is actually a negative expression that means “to shift the blame for a mistake onto someone else.” For example, A: “I didn’t break your suitcase. The airport baggage attendants are really careless.” B: “Stop trying to pass the buck!”
In a similar manner, the phrase “the buck stops here” means the “responsibility for an action cannot be passed to another person.” Or in other words, “It’s your responsibility!” Former U.S. President, Harry S. Truman, used to keep a sign on his desk that read, “The buck stops here!” It reminded him that he had to make all the big decisions and take responsibility for the consequences
責任転嫁
「Buck」とは、ドルのスラングの言い回しです。例えば、「10バックス貸してくれる?」 なので、このフレーズPass the buckは、「誰かにお金をあげる」と似たようなポジティブな意味を持っていると考えるかもしれません。しかし、実はこれは否定的な表現で、「誰かに責任を押し付ける」という意味があるのです。 例 A:「あなたのスーツケースを壊したのは私じゃないです。空港の荷物係員が不注意だったのです。」 B:「責任転嫁しようとするのはやめなさい。」