bad blood

noun

1. unfriendly or hostile relations; enmity; hostility; animosity.

   When the territory was being settled there was bad blood between the farmers and the ranchers.

bad blood

noun

1. a feeling of intense hatred or hostility; enmity

Word History and Origins

Origin of bad blood¹

First recorded in 1815–25

Idioms and Phrases

Anger or hostility between persons or groups, as in There's been bad blood between the two families for years. This term is based on the old association with blood and emotion, particularly anger. Versions such as ill blood preceded it; Charles Lamb was among the first to use the idiom in its current form in an 1823 essay.

Example Sentences

Both singers have said there’s no bad blood.

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Shutdowns are a repeat feature of US politics - but this one feels particularly bitter due to political dynamics and bad blood between the two parties.

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It’s also a family feud — minus the bad blood.

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“The bad blood from this will stain the institution forever,” he said.

Read more on Salon

He added: "I'm positive they're never going to run each other off the track, and that's where you get into bad blood."

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Related Words

• acrimony 
• animosity 
• animus 
• antagonism 
• bitterness 
• distrust 
• enmity 
• hatred 
• hostility 
• ill will 
• nastiness www.thesaurus.com
• rancor 
• resentment