What is not my circus not my monkeys?

"Not my circus, not my monkeys" is a colloquial idiom, not typically covered in formal encyclopedic sources. It signifies a person's desire to disengage from a chaotic or problematic situation, implying that the situation is not their responsibility or concern. It is a colorful way of saying "not my problem."

• It expresses a lack of involvement or responsibility for someone else's issues or affairs. It emphasizes detachment from drama and external conflicts.
• The phrase generally indicates that the speaker is choosing to avoid becoming entangled in a situation that they perceive as messy, complicated, or beyond their control. It is about setting boundaries.
• The origin of the phrase is debated, with some attributing it to Yiddish or Polish expressions. There isn't a definitive historical source. Some suggest it’s a loose translation of a similar saying. The literal translation is "Not my circus, not my monkeys! The monkeys are not mine!"
• The phrase is often used humorously or sarcastically to lighten the mood while asserting one's non-involvement. It underlines prioritization of one's own well-being and tasks.