don't shoot the messenger

don't shoot the messenger

Don't get angry at or punish someone who is simply delivering bad or undesirable news as they are not responsible for it. A: "What do you mean I'm being sued by my ex-wife? I'll knock your lights out!" B: "Hey man, I'm just doing my job. Don't shoot the messenger!"
See also: messenger, shoot
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

shoot the messenger

If someone shoots the messenger, they blame a person who has told them bad news or information instead of blaming the person who is responsible for the situation. In blaming the polling organisation for his party's failure, Sir Malcolm is shooting the messenger.
See also: messenger, shoot
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

shoot (or kill) the messenger

treat the bearer of bad news as if they were to blame for it.
Being the bearer of bad tidings has been a traditionally thankless task, as indicated in Sophocles' Antigone, ‘No man loves the messenger of ill’ and Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra, ‘The nature of bad news infects the teller’.
See also: messenger, shoot
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

shoot the ˈmessenger

blame the person who gives the news that something bad has happened, instead of the person who is really responsible: ‘You look awesome! But...’‘But what?’‘Well, don’t shoot the messenger here but those pants make you look a little... large.’
See also: messenger, shoot
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • Let every man skin his own skunk.
  • leave (someone, something, or oneself) (wide) open to (something)
  • leave open
  • leave yourself wide open to something
  • quit
  • (someone) (just) doesn't know when to quit
  • creep on (someone or something)
  • drag (someone) into (something)
  • in for
  • be in for something
References in periodicals archive
And don't shoot the messenger just because you don't like the message.
DEBATE
Around 30 supporters, some wearing Assange masks and one dressed as a giant whistle to represent his whistleblowing activities, chanted "we want justice" and "stop killing Assange" outside the courthouse."Don't shoot the messenger," one placard said.
Assange 'not well', US extradition hearing moved to June
Don't shoot the messenger as it was Brendan Rodgers himself who's attributed with a quote about those who research the facts and figures.
Lack of spending is leaving Celts playing cash-up in Europe
Don't shoot the messenger, it was written in the stars.
You don't need a crystal ball to predict title win for Hoops; SPORTS VIEW WEDNESDAY
Memo to PTI trolls: Please don't shoot the messenger.
The numbers game
The paper wrote on Thursday that even President Nicos Anastasiades had said 'don't shoot the messenger' and the reveal of the emails was harming relations with the EU because, the paper wrote, "Loizidou and her superior [Attorney-general Costas Clerides] allowed the legal service of a state to operate as an office serving a third country."
'Press freedom limited by Loizidou injunction'
"Don't shoot the messenger" is a cliche often used to avoid blaming or punishing the bearer of bad news.
Don't shoot the messenger
The headline was, 'Don't shoot the messenger, Israel', emphasising that "history proves that people will always resist occupation" -- the case in the Israeli-Occupied Palestinian Territories, now home to more than 500,000 illegal Israeli colonists.
Is this a European takeover?
Ban Monday told Israel "don't shoot the messenger" as he renewed criticism of the "humiliating" Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.
Israel restricts access to Ramallah after attack
Don't shoot the messenger or his contractor, but the subcontractor.
How Government set us on the road to the red doors
In other words, please don't shoot the messenger, he said.
'Don't shoot the messenger,' says Lacierda amid resignation calls
"He said, 'Don't shoot the messenger,' '' Rivera recalled.
City makes dream home a nightmare
Labour MP Mr Smith said: "The lesson for Government is clear - don't shoot the messenger. We've seen examples in the residential care sector that when whistle-blowers are sidelined, desperate relatives resort to hidden cameras.
Whistle-blowers are 'shockingly treated', say MPs
Don't shoot the messenger, but this book reminds us that "wielding power is a male prerogative." These disturbing essays attempt to explain gender gaps in party affiliation, policy opinion and legislative representation.
Mind The Gaps: Canadian Perspectives on Gender and Politics
ySTANBUL (CyHAN)- "Don't shoot the messenger" is a common principle held by humankind; he is just a messenger, he is not responsible for the bad situation mentioned in his message.
Why does the government shoot the messengers?