# bad business

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/bad-business
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Synonym of bad news (“irritating, troublesome or harmful thing, situation or person”).

## Examples

- Losing your passport while traveling is bad business.
- If you ignore the engine warning light on your car, that is bad business for your wallet.
- Attempting to negotiate a contract without legal counsel is bad business, as it often leads to unforeseen complications and long-term financial liability.

## Origin

From bad + business.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.