blame the messenger

To get angry at or punish someone who is simply delivering bad or undesirable news, though they are not responsible for it. Used most commonly in the phrase "don't blame the messenger." I'm a news anchor—it is my job to report the news, even the bad stuff. But some people want to blame the messenger, as if I were the one who caused the bad news to begin with. A: "What do you mean I'm being sued by my ex-wife? I'll knock your lights out!" B: "Hey, I'm just here to deliver the subpoena. Don't blame the messenger!" Hey, don't blame the messenger! I just happened to overhear some of the teachers talking, and I thought you guys would like to know that you're getting a pop quiz in History today.

don't blame the messenger

Don't get angry at or punish someone who is simply delivering bad or undesirable news for which they are not responsible. A: "What do you mean I'm being sued by my ex-wife? I'll knock your lights out!" B: "Hey man, I'm just doing my job. Don't blame the messenger!" Hey, don't blame the messenger! I just happened to overhear some of the teachers talking, and I thought you guys would like to know that you're getting a pop quiz in History today. I'm a news anchor—it is my job to report the news, so don't blame the messenger. I didn't cause the bad things to happen!