Sometimes, delivering bad news feels like walking a tightrope, doesn’t it?
Whether you’re sharing a tough update at work or relaying a friend’s gossip, the last thing you want is to be the target of someone else’s frustration.
That’s where the phrase “Don’t shoot the messenger” comes in. It’s a reminder to separate the news from the person delivering it. Here are 25 alternative expressions that capture that sentiment, letting you keep the peace while you share the news.
Top List Of Other Ways to Say “Don’t Shoot The Messenger”
1. Don’t blame me for the message
2. I’m just the bearer of bad news
3. I’m just the conduit
4. Don’t shoot the delivery guy
5. I’m just passing it on
6. It’s not my fault
7. Don’t take it out on me
8. I didn’t make the rules
9. I’m just a messenger
10. Don’t kill the messenger
11. I’m not the enemy
12. I’m here to inform, not to upset
13. I’m the middleman
14. It’s not personal
15. I’m just here to relay
16. I’m just the informant
17. This isn’t about me
18. I’m just the voice
19. I’m not the source
20. I’m just the reporter
21. Let’s keep it civil
22. I’m just a link in the chain
23. I’m just here to tell you
24. It’s just my job
25. I’m just here for the info
1. Don’t blame me for the message
Sometimes, people need to remember that the messenger is not responsible for the content of the message.
Examples:
- “I’m just the delivery person here, so don’t blame me for the news.”
- “I didn’t create the message, I’m just passing it along.”
- “You might want to redirect your frustration to the source, not me.”
2. I’m just the bearer of bad news
This phrase highlights the role of the messenger, making it clear they are only conveying the information.
Examples:
- “I’m just the bearer of bad news; I wish it were better.”
- “As the bearer of bad news, I’m not thrilled about it either.”
- “Being the bearer of bad news isn’t a fun job, trust me.”
3. I’m just the conduit
Using “conduit” emphasizes that the messenger is merely a channel for the information, not its origin.
Examples:
- “Think of me as just the conduit; the message originated elsewhere.”
- “I’m simply the conduit for this information.”
- “My job is just to be the conduit, not the creator of this news.”
4. Don’t shoot the delivery guy
This humorous take lightens the mood and puts a playful spin on the phrase.
Examples:
- “Hey, don’t shoot the delivery guy; I’m just bringing the news!”
- “I’m just delivering the message; it’s not my fault.”
- “Before you get upset, remember, I’m just the delivery guy!”
5. I’m just passing it on
This phrase conveys that the messenger is merely transferring the information without altering it.
Examples:
- “I’m just passing it on; I didn’t write it.”
- “I’m only here to pass the message along, not to comment.”
- “Just passing it on—don’t shoot the messenger!”
6. It’s not my fault
This straightforward phrase clearly indicates the messenger’s lack of responsibility for the situation.
Examples:
- “Honestly, it’s not my fault this happened.”
- “I had nothing to do with this; it’s not my fault.”
- “Just to be clear, it’s not my fault that this news is bad.”
7. Don’t take it out on me
This is a direct appeal to the listener not to project their frustration onto the messenger.
Examples:
- “Please, don’t take it out on me; I didn’t make the news.”
- “I’m just relaying information; don’t take it out on me.”
- “It’s not fair to take your anger out on me.”
8. I didn’t make the rules
This expression highlights that the messenger has no control over the situation or its consequences.
Examples:
- “Just so you know, I didn’t make the rules; I’m just reporting them.”
- “I’m not the one who made these decisions; I’m just the messenger.”
- “I didn’t make the rules; I’m just following them.”
9. I’m just a messenger
This is a straightforward assertion of the messenger’s role in the situation.
Examples:
- “Remember, I’m just a messenger here.”
- “I’m just a messenger, not the author of the news.”
- “I’m only here as a messenger; don’t shoot me!”
10. Don’t kill the messenger
This classic phrase serves as a humorous reminder of the consequences of misdirected anger.
Examples:
- “Please, don’t kill the messenger; I’m just doing my job!”
- “I know it’s bad news, but don’t kill the messenger!”
- “I’m just the messenger, so let’s keep it civil.”
11. I’m not the enemy
This phrase reinforces that the messenger is not the source of the problem.
Examples:
- “Just remember, I’m not the enemy; I’m here to help.”
- “I’m not the one causing issues; I’m just relaying the news.”
- “Don’t see me as the enemy; I’m just a messenger.”
12. I’m here to inform, not to upset
This phrase emphasizes the intent of the messenger and reassures the listener.
Examples:
- “I’m here to inform, not to upset; please understand that.”
- “My goal is to inform, not to cause distress.”
- “I’m just trying to inform you, not to create drama.”
13. I’m the middleman
Calling oneself a “middleman” conveys that the messenger is simply passing along information.
Examples:
- “Think of me as the middleman in this situation.”
- “As the middleman, my job is to relay the news.”
- “I’m just the middleman; don’t blame me for the message!”
14. It’s not personal
This phrase helps to remind the listener that the news is not a personal attack on them.
Examples:
- “Just remember, it’s not personal; it’s just the situation.”
- “I promise, it’s not personal; I’m just delivering news.”
- “It’s not personal; I’m just doing my part.”
15. I’m just here to relay
This phrase underscores the messenger’s role as someone who conveys information without modification.
Examples:
- “I’m just here to relay what I heard.”
- “My job is to relay the message, not to change it.”
- “I’m only here to relay this news, not to judge.”
16. I’m just the informant
This expression positions the messenger as someone providing information without being the source.
Examples:
- “I’m just the informant in this case; don’t shoot me!”
- “Think of me as the informant, not the originator.”
- “As the informant, my job is just to share.”
17. This isn’t about me
A reminder to the listener that the focus should be on the information, not the messenger.
Examples:
- “This isn’t about me; it’s about the message.”
- “Let’s keep the focus on the news; this isn’t about me.”
- “Please remember, this isn’t about me; it’s just news.”
18. I’m just the voice
This phrase emphasizes that the messenger is merely speaking what has been given to them.
Examples:
- “I’m just the voice of the message; I didn’t create it.”
- “As the voice of the message, I’m not to blame.”
- “I’m just here as the voice, nothing more.”
19. I’m not the source
This phrase clarifies that the messenger is not responsible for the information.
Examples:
- “I’m not the source of this news, just the one passing it along.”
- “I’m here to tell you, but I’m not the source.”
- “I didn’t come up with this; I’m not the source.”
20. I’m just the reporter
This phrase likens the messenger to a news reporter, emphasizing their role.
Examples:
- “I’m just the reporter here, so don’t blame me.”
- “As the reporter, I’m just conveying what I’ve been told.”
- “I’m just the reporter; I didn’t write the story.”
21. Let’s keep it civil
A polite reminder to keep the discussion respectful, regardless of the news.
Examples:
- “Let’s keep it civil; I’m just the messenger.”
- “Please keep it civil; I didn’t create this situation.”
- “Let’s try to stay civil; I’m only sharing what I heard.”
22. I’m just a link in the chain
This phrase emphasizes that the messenger is just one part of a larger process.
Examples:
- “I’m just a link in the chain of communication.”
- “As a link in the chain, I’m not to blame.”
- “I’m only a link; don’t shoot the messenger!”
23. I’m just here to tell you
A straightforward statement about the messenger’s intent to share information.
Examples:
- “I’m just here to tell you what I know.”
- “I’m only here to tell you the news, nothing more.”
- “I’m just here to tell you; please don’t get mad at me.”
24. It’s just my job
This phrase emphasizes that delivering messages is simply part of the messenger’s role.
Examples:
- “I’m just doing my job here; don’t take it out on me.”
- “This is just part of my job; I’m not the one responsible.”
- “I’m just fulfilling my job role, so don’t blame me!”
25. I’m just here for the info
This phrase lightens the mood while clearly stating the messenger’s purpose.
Examples:
- “I’m just here for the info; don’t shoot the messenger!”
- “As the info guy, my role is simply to share.”
- “I’m just here for the info; I didn’t write the script.”
Conclusion
Using alternative expressions to “Don’t shoot the messenger” can help diffuse tension when delivering difficult news. Whether you prefer humor or straightforwardness, these phrases can serve as useful tools in maintaining a positive atmosphere, ensuring that the focus remains on the message rather than the messenger. After all, we’re all just trying to navigate this thing called life, one message at a time!
𝐈’𝐦 Ella Rose 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 “𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐬 ” 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐨𝐫. 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬. 𝐈 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞. 𝐀𝐭 “𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐬” 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬. 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐚 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐝𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐨𝐫.
Celia Anne 
Olivia Bloom