bad blood
Meaning
Long-standing hostility or resentment between people or groups because of past conflict or wrongdoing.
Origin
Originally linked to the old belief that a person’s “blood” determined temperament or carried disease (“bad blood”). By the 17th–18th centuries it commonly meant ill feeling or hostility between people.
Notes
Negative, somewhat serious tone. Implies lingering resentment from past events, not just a temporary disagreement. Used in speech and writing; avoid for trivial quarrels.
Examples
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There’s been bad blood between the two families for decades.
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After the lawsuit, there was bad blood in the office.
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I don’t want any bad blood, so let’s talk it out.
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The trade dispute created bad blood between the countries.
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They tried to work together, but old bad blood kept resurfacing.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Noun phrase, usually uncountable: “bad blood” (not *bad bloods*). Common patterns: “There is bad blood between A and B,” “create/cause bad blood,” “old bad blood.”
Synonyms
- ill will
- animosity
- hostility
- resentment
- hard feelings
Antonyms
- good feelings
- mutual respect
- amity
- reconciliation