Bearer of Bad News: Definition, Meaning and Origin (2025)

The idiom "bearer of bad news" refers to someone who delivers unfavorable or unfortunate information to others. While the person delivering the news is not responsible for the circumstances, they may still be associated with the negative emotions arising from the news. People often use this phrase to preface difficult conversations or to apologize for delivering unpleasant information.

In short:

The "bearer of bad news" is an idiom used to describe someone who relays unfortunate or upsetting information to others, implying they may face anger or blame as a result.

See Also

The Bad News Bears - Wikiquote

What Does "Bearer of Bad News" Mean?

The phrase "bearer of bad news' is used to describe a person who has to deliver difficult, unfortunate, or unfavorable information to others. The idiom is often employed to preface such conversations or to express sympathy for the recipients of the bad news.

Key aspects of the idiom's meaning include:

• Delivering news that is unfortunate, unwelcome, or distressing
• Facing potential resentment, anger, or blame for sharing the news
• Not being directly responsible for the news itself but simply the messenger

Where Does "Bearer of Bad News" Come From?

Tracing back to the mid-1600s, people used the term "bearer" to describe those who carried corpses to their final resting places, giving rise to the idiomatic expression "bearer of bad news." It is important to note that the original phrase was "bearer of bad tidings," which conveys a similar meaning to its current counterpart.

As language evolved, the phrase "bearer of bad news" surfaced as an alternative to "bearer of bad tidings." People used both phrases synonymously and interchangeably, each emphasizing the idea of delivering unfortunate or negative information to others.

Historical Example

"I am, indeed the bearer of bad news!" he replied, in an agitated voice;" and I grieve to say that it relates to him."

—Fraser's Magazine for Town and Country, 1846

10 Examples of "Bearer of Bad News" in Sentences

• I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the project has been delayed.
• As the bearer of bad news, I must inform you that your application has been rejected.
• I don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but our team lost the game.
• She was the bearer of bad news when she told her friend about the accident.
• He hesitated before becoming the bearer of bad news and sharing the diagnosis with his family.
• I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but we didn't get the funding we hoped for.
• As the bearer of bad news, I have to tell you that our vacation plans have changed.
• Being the bearer of bad news is never easy, but sometimes it's necessary to share difficult information.
• I always seem to be the bearer of bad news when it comes to our financial reports.
• She reluctantly became the bearer of bad news when she informed her coworkers of the layoffs.

Examples of "Bearer of Bad News" in Pop Culture

"Bearer of bad news" has appeared in various forms of popular culture, such as movies, television shows, and books.

Some examples include:

• "The Bearer of Bad News" is the second album of the Canadian singer-songwriter Andy Shauf.
• "The Bearer of Bad News Saga" is a paranormal and urban fantasy novel by Paul Payne and Megan Payne.
• “Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I have to get home and to start dinner” is a quote from the book "Watch Us Rise" by Renée Watson and Ellen Hagan.

Other Ways to Say "Bearer of Bad News"

There are several other expressions and idioms that convey a similar meaning to "bearer of bad news," including:

• Don't shoot the messenger
• Delivering unfortunate news
• Sharing difficult information
• Breaking bad news

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Bearer of Bad News":

• What does "bearer of bad news" mean?
  "Bearer of bad news" is an idiom that refers to someone who delivers unfavorable or unfortunate information to others, often with a sense of regret or sympathy.
• Where did the idiom come from?
  The idiomatic expression "bearer of bad news" originated in the mid-1600s, with the term "bearer" referring to individuals carrying corpses to their graves. Initially, the phrase was "bearer of bad tidings," which shares a similar meaning with the current version.
• How do you use "bearer of bad news" in a sentence?
  Here's an example sentence using "bearer of bad news": I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but our flight has been canceled.
• Is "bearer of bad news" considered informal?
  "Bearer of bad news" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, alternative phrases, such as "delivering unfortunate news" or "sharing difficult information," may be more appropriate in formal settings.
• Are there any alternative phrases to "bearer of bad news"?
  Yes, alternative expressions that convey a similar meaning to "bearer of bad news" include "don't shoot the messenger," "delivering unfortunate news," and "sharing difficult information."
• Is the phrase a regional expression?
  "Bearer of bad news" is not limited to a specific region and is generally understood across various English-speaking countries.
• Can the idiom be used to describe more significant situations?
  Yes, "bearer of bad news" can be used to describe a wide range of situations, from minor disappointments to significant, life-altering events.
• Does the idiom have any connection to a specific historical context?
  The idiom "bearer of bad news" is believed to have originated from the practice of messengers delivering news in ancient societies, where they sometimes faced blame or punishment for the unfavorable information they brought. The phrase has since evolved to emphasize the challenging position of those who deliver bad news, regardless of the specific context.
• Is "bearer of bad news" used in pop culture?
  Yes, "bearer of bad news" has been featured in various forms of popular culture, such as movies, television shows, and books. It is often used to emphasize the difficulty and emotional burden associated with delivering unfavorable or difficult news to others.
• Is the idiom "bearer of bad news" still popular today?
  Yes, "bearer of bad news" continues to be a recognizable and understood expression in everyday conversation, emphasizing the difficulty and responsibility associated with delivering unfavorable or difficult news to others.

Summary and Conclusion

The idiom 'bearer of bad news" refers to someone who delivers unfavorable or unfortunate information to others, often with a sense of regret or sympathy. The phrase originated in the mid-1600s, with the term "bearer" referring to individuals carrying corpses to their graves. It has since evolved to emphasize the challenging position of those who deliver bad news, regardless of the specific context. 'Bearer of bad news' has been featured in various forms of popular culture and remains a popular and understood expression in everyday conversation.

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