"Not my circus, not my monkeys"

There are many different ways of saying that a problem is not your responsibility, or that you have no interest in a situation. "Not my circus, not my monkeys" could be placed in the more allegorical category. The reference comes from an Polish proverb "Nie mój cyrk, nie moje małpy". This direct translation is one of few Polish idioms that works well in both languages - and keeps its meaning and rhythm intact. It's believed to stem from rural life and old traveling circuses that brought chaos, animals and entertainment into small towns. "The circus is in town" is often used in the Swedish language to describe a messy or chaotic situation. The Poles are hard chastened people with a long history of devastating wars, suppression and suffering. The proverb may reflect their coping strategy for dealing with (and staying out of) social and political conflict, advocating a detached attitude for the sake of protecting yourself and conveying the idea that you can’t control everything. Or more bluntly put: I got enough problems. I don't need another problem. Especially not yours. Some people have appropriated "Not my circus, not my monkeys" as their motto in life to protect themselves. The variation "Not my circus, not my monkeys, but I know the clowns" acknowledges awareness of the individuals involved ("the clowns"). This website is dedicated to gothic country. I identify myself as the ringmaster. I take full responsiblity för the circus, the monkeys and the clowns.