English phrase from drama scenes
What Does "don't shoot the messenger" Mean?
Learn what "don't shoot the messenger" means, when people say it, and how to use it naturally in English.
Intermediate
Neutral
Firm
Set Boundary
Sorry bestie. Don't shoot the messenger.
This means do not blame the person who is just passing along information.
From Married To A Stranger, Episode 18
When do people say this?
Scene Context
The speaker tells someone not to blame the person delivering bad news.
Usage Scenario
Use it when you are relaying bad news and want to stop the other person from attacking you. It is common in spoken English and easy to reuse.
Better ways to say it
1
Don't shoot the messenger.
2
I'm just the messenger.
3
Don't blame me.
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