don't shoot the messenger
DOHNT SHOOT the MES-in-jer
doʊnt ʃuːt ðə ˈmɛsɪndʒərListen
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Dictionary meaning
a plea not to blame or punish the person who delivers unwelcome news or information for the content of their message, since they are merely the bearer of facts they did not create; the expression derives from the ancient practice of executing messengers who brought news of military defeat, reflected in Shakespeare and other historical sources; it is used to defend the role of journalists, whistleblowers, and others whose function is to report difficult truths that those in power would prefer to remain hidden
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