Bearer of bad news
The bearer of bad news! This phrase is often used to describe someone who has to deliver unpleasant or unwelcome information to others. It's a common idiom that can evoke a range of emotions, from anxiety to dread.
The phrase is thought to have originated in the 17th century, when a "bearer of bad news" was a messenger who brought news of a death, illness, or other calamity. In those days, the bearer of bad news was often a solemn and serious figure, tasked with delivering the news with tact and compassion.
Today, the phrase is often used more broadly to describe anyone who has to deliver unpleasant news, whether it's a boss telling an employee they're being laid off, a doctor delivering a diagnosis, or a friend breaking the news that they're ending a relationship.
The bearer of bad news often faces a difficult task, as they must balance the need to be honest and direct with the need to be sensitive and compassionate. It's a delicate balancing act, and one that requires a great deal of empathy and tact.
Some common examples of the bearer of bad news might include:
- A doctor telling a patient they have a serious illness
- A boss telling an employee they're being laid off
- A friend telling another friend they're ending a relationship
- A police officer telling a family that a loved one has been in an accident
- A teacher telling a student they're failing a class
In each of these cases, the bearer of bad news must navigate a complex emotional landscape, taking care to be clear and direct while also being sensitive to the other person's feelings. It's a challenging task, but one that is often necessary in order to move forward and find a way to heal and recover.