[citation needed] An analogy of the phrase can come from the breaching of an unwritten code of conduct in war, in which a commanding officer was expected to receive and send back emissaries or diplomatic envoys sent by the enemy unharmed.
During the early Warring States period of China, the concept of chivalry and virtue prevented the executions of messengers sent by opposing sides.
"[6] The term also applied to a town crier, an officer of the court who made public pronouncements in the name of the ruling monarch, and often including bad news.
[7] A modern version of "shooting the messenger" can be perceived when someone blames the media for presenting bad news about a favored cause, person, organization, etc.
"People learn very quickly where this is the case, and will studiously avoid giving any negative feedback; thus the 'Emperor' continues with the self-delusion....Obviously this is not a recipe for success".