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from bad to worse

Idioms  
  1. Unacceptable and getting more so, on a steady downward course. For example, Mary's grades have gone from bad to worse. [Mid-1500s] Also see if worst comes to worst.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

“Despite clear signs of progress in recent days, the tenor of the rhetoric and growing distrust between the U.S. and Iran mean things could go from bad to worse once again,” according to ING.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 7, 2026

But two years after the Supreme Court untied their hands, Grants Pass has not solved homelessness, and things have gone from bad to worse.

From Slate Jun. 27, 2026

It’s gone from bad to worse for cryptocurrencies.

From Barron's Feb. 2, 2026

Firefighters do everything they can, but strong winds are working against them to make the destruction go from bad to worse.

From Los Angeles Times Dec. 19, 2025

He hoped the Mind’s Flower would keep her nonsensical long enough to formulate a Plan B. MoMo was due on the island soon, and things were going from bad to worse.

From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray

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