The phrase “blame/shoot the messenger” is a common idiom that is used to describe the act of blaming or punishing the person who delivers bad news or an unwelcome message. This phrase has been used for centuries and is still commonly used in modern times.
Definitions
The phrase “blame/shoot the messenger” is an idiom that refers to the act of punishing the person who delivers bad news or an unwelcome message. It is a way of deflecting blame away from the person who is responsible for the bad news or message and onto the person who delivered it.
Origin
The origin of the phrase “blame/shoot the messenger” can be traced back to ancient Greece. In those times, messengers were often sent to deliver important news or messages. If the news was bad, the messenger would often be blamed or punished for delivering it. This was done as a way of deflecting blame away from the person who was responsible for the bad news.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of “blame/shoot the messenger” is consistent across different dictionaries. It is defined as the act of punishing or blaming the person who delivers bad news or an unwelcome message.
Associations
The phrase “blame/shoot the messenger” is often associated with negative emotions such as anger, frustration, and disappointment. It is also associated with the idea of scapegoating, which is the act of blaming someone else for one’s own mistakes or shortcomings.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of “blame/shoot the messenger” include scapegoat, fall guy, sacrificial lamb, and whipping boy.
Antonyms
The antonyms of “blame/shoot the messenger” include praise, commendation, and recognition.
The same root words
The root words of “blame/shoot the messenger” are blame and messenger. Blame refers to the act of holding someone responsible for something, while messenger refers to the person who delivers a message.
Example Sentences
- When the company announced layoffs, the employees blamed the messenger for delivering the bad news.
- Don’t shoot the messenger! I’m just telling you what the boss said.
- It’s not fair to blame the messenger for something that is beyond their control.
In conclusion, “blame/shoot the messenger” is a common idiom that is used to describe the act of punishing or blaming the person who delivers bad news or an unwelcome message. This phrase has been used for centuries and is still commonly used in modern times. It is often associated with negative emotions such as anger and frustration and is a way of deflecting blame away from the person who is responsible for the bad news or message.