Phrase guide

shoot the messenger

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

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

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: humorous, idiomatic, sarcastic

Examples

  • I know you won't like this news, but please don't shoot the messenger.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: ampua viestintuoja — to blame a problem on whoever reported it; to hold somebody accountable for a problem because they brought attention to it — see also don't shoot the messenger
  • French: tuer le messager — to blame a problem on whoever reported it; to hold somebody accountable for a problem because they brought attention to it — see also don't shoot the messenger
  • French: tirer sur le messager — to blame a problem on whoever reported it; to hold somebody accountable for a problem because they brought attention to it — see also don't shoot the messenger
  • Polish: strzelać do posłańca — to blame a problem on whoever reported it; to hold somebody accountable for a problem because they brought attention to it — see also don't shoot the messenger