don't shoot the messenger
Bearer isn't responsible
Don't shoot the messenger is a plea for mercy when delivering unwelcome news—the bearer isn't responsible for the content.
The phrase acknowledges the human tendency to blame whoever brings bad tidings: I know you're upset, but don't shoot the messenger—I'm just telling you what the boss said.
Often shortened to just Don't shoot the messenger as a preface before breaking difficult news.
- blameAssign responsibility for wrongdoing
- bearerOne who conveys something
- bearer of bad newsMessenger of misfortune
- newsReports of recent events
- bad newsUnwelcome information
bad · tidings · scapegoat · fault · anger · reaction · innocent · herald · courier · delivery · unwelcome · news flash · truth · warning · fair warning · just saying · outburst · deflection
don't shoot the messengerthe buck stops here
Accepting final responsibility here
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