[Idiom] SHOOT THE MESSENGER. - Why It's Unfair to Blame the Bearer of Bad News

blaming the bearer of bad news.

'Shoot the messenger' is an idiom that describes the act of blaming the individual who delivers bad news, rather than the news itself or the source of it. This saying comes from historical instances where literal messengers bringing unfavorable news were harmed or killed as a reaction to the message they delivered. In modern usage, it serves as a caution against misdirecting frustration towards someone who merely relays information, rather than those actually responsible for the unfortunate circumstances.

Example Sentences

1. Don't shoot the messenger; I’m just delivering the news.

   Don’t blame me; I’m just delivering the news.

2. Mary told him not to shoot the messenger when she relayed the bad news.

   Mary told him not to blame her when she passed on the bad news.

3. They tend to shoot the messenger instead of addressing the real issue.

   They tend to blame the person delivering the news instead of addressing the real issue.