buck stops here

the buck stops here

The ultimate responsibility is mine. A set phrase used when the speaker intends to resolve a situation mired in indecision or inaction. This strike can't go on any longer, so the buck stops here—I will personally meet with the head of the union today.

See also: buck, here, stop

buck stops here

The need to act or take responsibility, that other people pass on to still other people, ultimately ends up here. (An expression made famous by U.S. President Harry Truman, about the finality of decisions a president must make. See also pass the buck.) After everyone else has avoided making the decision, I will have to do it. The buck stops here.

See also: buck, here, stop