IdiomDaily Life
English
Englishdon't shoot the messenger
Meaning: Don't blame the person who brings bad news.
Example: “I'm only telling you what the boss decided; don't shoot the messenger.”
Origin: The idea is ancient: Plutarch tells of a king who killed the messenger bringing bad news, and Sophocles has "no one loves the messenger who brings bad news." The modern phrase is common from the 20th century.
Equivalents in other languages
French: Ne tirez pas sur le pianiste Literally: Don't shoot the pianist
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