passing the buck at each other vs passing the buck to each other

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Passing the buck to each other' is the more common and idiomatic expression, meaning to shift responsibility or blame to one another. 'Passing the buck at each other' is less common and may not convey the intended meaning as clearly.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 684 views

This phrase is not commonly used in English and may not convey the intended meaning clearly.

"passing the buck at each other "

It is better to use 'passing the buck to each other' to express the idea of shifting responsibility or blame between multiple parties.

Show examples from the web [+]

This ultimately results in each institution passing the buck to the other institutions, or to the Member States, in a show of total incompetence.
Two targets stared at each other, filled with animosity.
Look, yelling at each other is not...
They throw stones at each other.
That mutual evaluation process - which is an entirely new one - requires other Member State authorities to look at each other, at each other's discriminatory proposals.
Any store that puts the parent ahead of the buck at Christmas deserves my business.
Which means you're passing the buck.
We must, however, stop simply passing the buck.
I think you're passing the buck.
You're passing the buck to things like disgust and mendacity.
Which means you're passing the buck.
We all yell at each other trying to get the other players to trade stocks with us.
They're shooting bullets at each other and they keep missing.
We actually threw rotten cabbages at each other.
The Greeks and Turks are at each other's throats again.
People started shooting at each other.
Tenderly, we looked at each other while tearing off impossible words.
All of us old Wizard members are still angry at each other.
That grunting at each other, could be a code.
There were times we looked at each other.

Alternatives:

passing the buck to each other
blaming each other
shifting responsibility to one another
pointing fingers at each other
playing the blame game

This phrase is the more common and idiomatic expression to convey the idea of shifting responsibility or blame between multiple parties.

"passing the buck to each other "

It means to shift responsibility or blame to one another. It is a well-known idiom in English.

Show examples from the web [+]

This ultimately results in each institution passing the buck to the other institutions, or to the Member States, in a show of total incompetence.
If you have followed the course of the inquiry into this disaster in the United States, the chain of contractual relations established between several firms allows companies to pass the buck to each other, while oil continues to pour into the sea.
You're passing the buck to things like disgust and mendacity.
The various Member States need to stop passing the buck to the European Union and, where they stand to benefit, claiming national successes.
Turkey must stop passing the buck to the EU and trying to exert pressure.
Like the rapporteur and some others here, I am convinced that a sharing of the financial responsibility at European level is necessary to prevent Member States from passing the buck to one another.
These guys were everything to each other.
Or forget their obligations to each other.
Two people really belong to each other.
We did it to each other, Adam.
And likely our expectations are not incomprehensible to each other.
They have recently recommitted to each other.
Which means you're passing the buck.
We must, however, stop simply passing the buck.
I think you're passing the buck.
Which means you're passing the buck.
Thousands of husbands and wives leave money to each other... without murdering each other.
Mr President, Commissioners do talk to each other and sometimes even write to each other.
Passing the buck! Back stabbing!
Everybody passing the buck, you know?

Alternatives:

passing the buck at each other
blaming each other
shifting responsibility to one another
pointing fingers at each other
playing the blame game

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passing the buck at each other vs passing the buck to each other