Not my circus, not my monkeys

Definitions

• detachment
  To express that a particular situation does not concern or affect the speaker, and they will not get involved in it

• responsibility
  To indicate that the speaker is not responsible for managing or solving a problem or issue

• avoiding drama
  To convey a desire to distance oneself from a chaotic or troublesome situation and focus on one's own affairs instead

• avoiding conflicts
  To suggest that the speaker does not want to involve themselves in a disagreement or argument between others

Examples of Not my circus, not my monkeys

• "I don't want to get involved in their problems. It's not my circus, not my monkeys."

  This idiom is used to indicate that one is not responsible for dealing with someone else's issues. The phrase "not my circus" refers to a situation that is chaotic and unpredictable, like a circus. The phrase "not my monkeys" refers to the idea that one does not want to take on the responsibility of dealing with someone else's problems, just as one would not want to take care of someone else's pets. This idiom is often used to set boundaries and avoid becoming involved in other people's problems.

Conclusion

The idiom "not my circus, not my monkeys" is commonly used to express a sense of detachment and lack of responsibility towards a situation or problem. It can also be used to convey a desire to avoid drama and conflicts.

In a broader sense, the idiom can also be interpreted as a reminder to not get involved in other people's issues or take on unnecessary burdens. It serves as a humorous and lighthearted way of saying "not my problem."

The phrase can also be used to express a sense of relief and freedom from being involved in a chaotic or stressful situation. It can be a way of taking a step back and focusing on one's own well-being and priorities.

Origin of "Not my circus, not my monkeys"

The origin of this idiom is attributed to Polish culture, where it is commonly used as "Nie mój cyrk, nie moje małpy." It was first recorded in the 19th century and is believed to have been derived from a Polish proverb that translates to "not my problem, not my business."

The phrase gained popularity in English-speaking countries in the late 20th century, and it is often associated with the author and motivational speaker, Marlene Dietrich. She is known for using the phrase to convey her sense of detachment from the drama and chaos of Hollywood.

The idiom has become a popular saying in modern culture, used in various contexts to express a sense of detachment, responsibility, and avoidance of conflicts. It has also been adapted and modified in different ways, such as "not my circus, not my monkeys, not my problem."