bad apple

American  

noun

Informal.

1. a discontented, troublemaking, or dishonest person.

   In any group of average citizens there are bound to be a few bad apples.

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Etymology

Origin of bad apple

From the proverb “one bad apple spoils the barrel”

Example Sentences

My husband is with me in kicking Mia out and telling his relatives to stuff it but thinks Mia was just one bad apple and argues that our other tenants worked out pretty well.

From Slate • Mar. 13, 2024

One prominent commentator, for example, wrote about Trump’s most recent threats while entirely ignoring his "bad apple" analogy.

From Salon • Jan. 25, 2024

“They say one bad apple spoils the whole bunch,” Lee said.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 5, 2023

He said Mr Raab was "not just one bad apple", adding there was a "wider problem with ministerial bullying than the prime minister wants to admit".

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2023

A bad apple, but it was worth half a penny to learn that Manderly is raising men.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin