To be the Bearer of Bad News means to have to deliver news that will be received poorly. It implies being the individual who breaks the bad news.
For example, if you are the boss of a company and you have to tell your employees that they are being laid off, you are the Bearer of Bad News.
Another example would be if a friend told you that they were diagnosed with a terminal illness. In this instance, you would be the Bearer of Bad News.
The phrase can also be used more generally to describe someone who is always the one to bring up negative news or kill the mood.
For example, you might say “Tom is such a downer, he’s always the Bearer of Bad News.”
In this instance, the phrase is being used more colloquially and does not necessarily imply that the person is delivering news about something bad happening.
The phrase “to be the Bearer of Bad News” is most commonly used to describe someone who has to deliver news that will be received poorly. It is often used in a business setting when someone has to break the bad news to their employees. The phrase can also be used more generally to describe someone who is always the one to bring up negative news or kill the mood.
Is It Bear Or Bearer Of Bad News?
There is some confusion about the phrase “bearer of bad news.” Some people think it should be “the bear of bad news,” but this is incorrect. The phrase actually comes from the Latin word “nuntius,” which means messenger. In classical times, messengers were often sent to deliver news that was not good. The phrase “bearer of bad news” simply means someone who brings news, regardless of whether that news is good or bad. So, if you are ever in doubt about which phrase to use, remember that the correct choice is “bearer of bad news.”
Don’t Kill The Messenger
There’s an old saying that goes, “Don’t kill the messenger.” The implication is, of course, that the person bearing bad news is not responsible for the contents of the message. And yet, how often do we see people blamed for the news they bring? Surely it’s easier to lash out at the messenger than to face the reality of the situation. But is it fair?
In many cases, the bearer of bad news is simply doing their job. They are bringing information that needs to be shared, whether we like it or not. And yet, we often punish them for doing so. We might give them a cold shoulder or make snide comments. We might even go so far as to verbally or physically assault them.
None of this is right, of course. The messenger is not responsible for the message they bring. They are just doing their job. So next time you find yourself on the receiving end of some bad news, remember: don’t kill the messenger.
Conclusion
Being the bearer of bad news is never easy. Whether it’s telling a friend that their beloved pet has passed away, or delivering the news of a layoff to an employee, it’s always a difficult task. There are a few things you can do, however, to make the situation a little easier on both yourself and the person receiving the news. First, it’s important to be as clear and concise as possible. Get right to the point and avoid beating around the bush. Second, try to be as empathetic as possible. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes and imagine how you would want to be treated in such a situation. Finally, offer your support. Let the person know that you are there for them and offer to help in any way you can.
