bad apple
Meaning
A person in a group who is dishonest or harmful and can cause trouble or spoil others’ reputation.
Origin
From the proverb “one bad apple spoils the barrel,” based on the idea that a rotten apple can make nearby apples rot too; it came to mean a corrupt person who can taint a group.
Notes
Often used to say a whole group isn’t bad—just a few individuals. Can sound like minimizing systemic problems, so use carefully.
Examples
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The team was getting along fine until one bad apple started spreading rumors.
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We don't need to fire everyone over one bad apple; address the real problem person.
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The coach benched him because she didn't want a bad apple ruining the locker-room culture.
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Even a great workplace can suffer if management ignores a bad apple for too long.
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He used to be a bad apple in high school, but he turned his life around after college.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as a noun phrase: “a bad apple” or “the bad apples.” Often appears in “one bad apple,” echoing the proverb. Not typically used as a verb.
Synonyms
- troublemaker
- rotten apple
- wrongdoer
- bad actor
Antonyms
- good egg
- model citizen