don't look at me

English

Phrase

don't look at me

1. A response indicating that one is either unwilling or unable to perform a task, or that one is not guilty of something for which blame was implied.

   A: "Someone needs to label all these words as nouns or verbs."

   B: "Don't look at me: I don't know anything about grammar."

   • 2003, "Top Banana", season 1, episode 2 of Arrested Development

     Michael Bluth: Well, I'll tell you what. I'm gonna give you a promotion. Welcome aboard, Mr. Manager.

     George Michael Bluth: Wow! I'm Mr. Manager!

     Michael Bluth: Well, "manager". We just say "manager". And you can hire an employee if you need one.

     George Michael Bluth: Do you think I need one?

     Michael Bluth: Don't look at me, Mr. Manager.

     George Michael Bluth: Right. It's up to me now. I'm Mr. Manager.