How to Pronounce "shoot the messenger"
expression
SHOOT thuh MES-sen-jer
SHOOT thuh MES-in-juh
Definition
To blame or punish the person who brings bad news, instead of addressing the real problem.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈʃut/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈmɛsəndʒɝ/, /ˈmɛsɪndʒɝ
British English
ʃˈuːt/ /ðə, ði/ /mˈɛsɪndʒɐ
Simplified Pronunciation
US
SHOOT thuh MES-sen-jer
UK
SHOOT thuh MES-in-juh
Listen in Context
Please don’t shoot the messenger—I’m just telling you what the boss said.
Every time there’s bad news, he tries to shoot the messenger.
Don’t shoot the messenger if you don’t like what you hear.
I’m only the messenger, so don’t shoot the messenger!