ugly customer

American  

noun

1. a hostile or dangerous person.

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ugly customer Idioms  

1. 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]

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Etymology

Origin of ugly customer

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

Most men are afraid of him, for he can be an ugly customer in a scrap, and under that jolly laugh he has the temper of a devil.

From Canoe Mates in Canada Three Boys Afloat on the Saskatchewan by Rathborne, George, St.

Chamberlain an ugly customer to tackle when at bay.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 93, July 23, 1887. by Various

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

From His Unknown Wife by Tracy, Louis

An ugly customer to get across with, was my verdict.

From The Man Without a Memory by Marchmont, Arthur W. (Arthur Williams)

He knew Bad Bill was an ugly customer when he once got started.

From Crooked Trails and Straight by Hutchison, D. C.