# shoot the messenger

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/shoot-the-messenger
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- Please do not shoot the messenger for this bad news.
- I know you are angry about the project delay, but please do not shoot the messenger.
- While the manager was clearly frustrated by the sudden budget cuts, he wisely resisted the urge to shoot the messenger who delivered the report.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.