not my circus; not my monkeys
not my circus; not my monkeys (idiom)
/nät mī ˈsərkəs; nät mī ˈməŋkēz/
Meanings
- Expressing that a situation; problem; or responsibility is not one’s own to deal with.
- Stating a lack of responsibility or involvement in a chaotic or difficult situation.
- Indicating a lack of concern or interest in someone else’s problems or drama.
- Declaring a separation from the drama or problems of others.
Synonyms
- unconcerned; aloof; disengaged.
- not my problem
- not my cup of tea
- not my business
- none of my concern
- mind your own business
- stay in your lane
Example Sentences
- The neighbors are having a loud party; but I’m just going to stay inside. It’s not my circus; not my monkeys.
- I heard about the argument between the two departments; but it’s not my circus; not my monkeys.
- They have a new manager who is completely unqualified. That’s not my circus; not my monkeys.
- I can’t get involved in their family dispute. It’s not my circus; not my monkeys.
Origin and History
A Polish Proverb
The phrase not my circus; not my monkeys is a direct English translation of the Polish expression nie mój cyrk; nie moje małpy. It is widely agreed that this colorful saying has its roots in Poland. It reflects a cultural way of expressing emotional distance from someone else’s chaos or trouble. The literal translation is identical in both languages and carries the same meaning: this is not my problem; and I’m not responsible for it.
A Modern Invention
Although it is sometimes called a proverb; many believe the saying is not centuries old. Several accounts suggest it began to circulate in Poland in the 1990s. One theory links its first notable use to 1993; when it was reportedly used in a political context to comment on the leadership of Poland’s first female prime minister; Hanna Suchocka. From there; it became a popular way to express personal boundaries and avoid involvement in other people’s drama.
The Earliest Records
The exact first use of the English version is hard to pinpoint. However; the phrase began appearing in online forums and blogs in the early 2000s. Users often explained it as a translation of a well-known Polish saying. Through online sharing; it spread beyond Poland; appearing in casual conversation; social media posts; and even in printed merchandise like mugs and T-shirts.
Theories Based on Imagination
The imagery itself makes the phrase memorable. A circus is a place of loud; colorful; and sometimes chaotic activity; with a ringmaster in charge of keeping it under control. Monkeys; often playful and unpredictable; add to the sense of disorder. By saying not my circus; not my monkeys; a person declares they are not the ringmaster of the situation and therefore not in charge of the monkeys causing the chaos. Even without knowing its Polish roots; this mental picture helps the phrase communicate the idea of staying out of unnecessary trouble.
Country of Origin
Based on the evidence; the phrase originated in Poland. The English version is a direct translation of the Polish expression nie mój cyrk; nie moje małpy; which is the original source of the idiom as we know it today.
Variants
- not my circus; not my monkeys; not my problem
- my circus; my monkeys; my problem
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