Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

not-your-brother's-keeper

Idiom

/nɒt jʊər ˈbrʌðərz ˈkiːpər/

Definition

A phrase used to indicate that someone is not responsible for the actions or well-being of another person.

Examples

When my friend asked me to intervene in a dispute between her and her neighbor, I told her, ‘I’m not your brother’s keeper.’
During the meeting, he made it clear that he wasn’t responsible for his team’s personal issues, saying, ‘I’m not your brother’s keeper.’

Meaning

This expression suggests that an individual should not have to take care of or be accountable for others, particularly in situations where they are not obligated to do so.