don't kill the messenger


Also found in: Acronyms.

don't kill the messenger

Don't get angry at or punish someone who is simply delivering bad or undesirable news as they are not responsible for it. 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 kill the messenger!"
See also: kill, messenger
References in periodicals archive ?
If someone doesn't like the message, you don't kill the messenger,'' said David E.
CITY OFFICIAL ACCUSED OF SUDSY ASSAULT; PROCESS SERVER SAYS HE GOT BATHED IN BEER ON THE JOB
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