Not my pigeon

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Meaning

Not my responsibility, concern or area of expertise. The positive form 'your pigeon' means your responsibility or special subject. Regional use: Old-fashioned British and Commonwealth English.

Origin

Here 'pigeon' is not the bird but a later spelling of 'pidgin', used in the sense of business or concern. Pidgin itself developed from a Chinese pronunciation of English 'business' in the trading contact language of southern China. The figurative phrase is documented from the late 19th century and became familiar across the British Empire and Commonwealth.

Variants

  • That's not my pigeon
  • Not one's pigeon
  • Someone's pigeon

Usage Examples

  • Building access is not my pigeon; Facilities can issue you a pass.
  • The tax calculation is Marta's pigeon, so I will leave the figures with her.

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