I'm not my brother's keeper

I'm not my brother's keeper

I'm not responsible for the actions, behavior, or whereabouts of my close relative or friend (not necessarily a brother). Often used to express frustration that such responsibility is assumed. Of course I'm disappointed that Travis got arrested again, but I'm not my brother's keeper. How should I know where Mary is? I'm not my brother's keeper. Why are you lecturing me about Gavin missing curfew again? I'm not my brother's keeper.

See also: keeper, not

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

I am not my brother's keeper.

 and Am I my brother's keeper?

Prov. You are not responsible for another person's doings or whereabouts. (Biblical.) Fred: Where's Robert? Jane: Am I my brother's keeper? Jill: How could you let Jane run off like that? Alan: I'm not my brother's keeper.

See also: keeper, not

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.