bad news bears
Said of someone or something that will bring disaster or bad fortune to one.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Stay away from him, he is bad news bears.”
“I would avoid that new business partner because he is bad news bears for our company.”
“The seasoned detective warned his rookie partner that the informant was bad news bears and likely to lead them into a dangerous trap.”
first recorded 20th c.
The idiom is a presumed reference to the 1976 sports comedy film The Bad News Bears. While the film concerned the fortunes of a substandard youth baseball team, the title provided the template for the modern phrase.
- 01
average bear
The norm; an average person; Used in comparisons
- 02
bad actor
An individual or entity with a prior criminal conviction, or who has been sanctioned by the court or regulator.
- 03
bad apple
A person who is not wholesome, honest, or trustworthy, especially one who has an adverse influence on others.
- 04
bad books
Disfavor.
- 05
bad business
Synonym of bad news (“irritating, troublesome or harmful thing, situation or person”).
- 06
bad company
The wrong crowd.
- 07
bad egg
Someone whose behaviour is reprehensible or irresponsible; a rogue.
- 08
bad hair day
A day when things seem to be unmanageable or go wrong.
Last updated August 10, 2026