ugly customer

noun

1. a hostile or dangerous person.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ugly customer¹

First recorded in 1805–15

Idioms and Phrases

An ill-natured or vicious individual, as in Watch out for Charlie when he's drinking; he can be an ugly customer . This phrase uses ugly in the sense of “mean” or “dangerous.” [c. 1800]

Example Sentences

With an oath the Count sprang towards me, and as our swords touched I knew I had to deal with an ugly customer.

From Project Gutenberg

He must have been a hard hitter if he boxed as he preachedwhat The Fancy would call an ugly customer.

From Project Gutenberg

He must have been a hard hitter if he boxed as he preached—what "the fancy" would call "an ugly customer."

From Project Gutenberg

In Parliament and out, he was a hornet—a good thing to let alone, and an ugly customer to stir up.

From Project Gutenberg

But if the fact brings any consolation, I may tell you that a sea-lion when irritated can be a very ugly customer.

From Project Gutenberg