shirk responsibility
/ʃɜːrk rɪˈspɒnsəbɪləti/To avoid or neglect one's duties or obligations, especially by pretending not to notice or by making excuses.
The manager shirked responsibility by blaming the team for the missed deadline.
The manager avoided taking blame by shifting responsibility to the team.
Parents should not shirk responsibility for their children's education.
Parents should not neglect their duty to oversee their children's education.
This phrase is often used in contexts where someone is trying to avoid accountability.
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💡Pro Tip
Common Usage
This phrase is often used in professional and personal contexts to criticize someone for not taking ownership of their actions.
⚡Gold Rule
Avoid Misuse
Do not use this phrase to describe minor oversights; it implies a deliberate avoidance of duty.
📖Word Origin
The verb 'shirk' comes from Middle English 'shirken' (to shrink back), while 'responsibility' comes from Latin 'responsus' (response). The phrase emphasizes avoiding duty.
📝Usage Notes
This phrase is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to criticize someone for not fulfilling their obligations.