don't hate the player, hate the game

English

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium. Particularly: “20th century, associated with hip-hop culture?”)

Proverb

don't hate the player, hate the game

1. The frustrations with a system or activity should be blamed on its weaknesses, rather than on individuals who operate within it.

See also

• love the sinner, hate the sin
• play the man and not the ball