ENGLISH
REFERENCE

shoot the messenger

idiom
Meaning

To blame a problem on whoever reported it; to hold somebody accountable for a problem because they brought attention to it.


Examples
SIMPLE

Please do not shoot the messenger for this bad news.

CONTEXTUAL

I know you are angry about the project delay, but please do not shoot the messenger.

COMPLEX

While the manager was clearly frustrated by the sudden budget cuts, he wisely resisted the urge to shoot the messenger who delivered the report.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    shoot 'em up

    A piece of media which depicts considerable gunplay.

  2. 02

    shoot down

    To criticize (a request) to the point of preclusion.

  3. 03

    shoot first and ask questions later

    To take hasty, immediate action with serious consequences, without first adequately investigating the situation.

  4. 04

    shoot from the lip

    To speak confidently and unhesitantly but without careful forethought or a reliable knowledge of important facts pertaining to the subject matter.

  5. 05

    shoot holes

    Find faults.

  6. 06

    shoot off

    To do (something, usually a written or verbal communication) quickly, and without hesitation or forethought.

  7. 07

    shoot off at the mouth

    To boast, or brag, or talk too much.

  8. 08

    shoot one's bolt

    To use up one's resources, especially a singular one or one not readily restored.

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