ENGLISH
REFERENCE

bad old days

idiom
Meaning

The past, seen as a time when things were worse.


Examples
SIMPLE

We are glad those bad old days are finally over.

CONTEXTUAL

The company changed its strict rules, so employees no longer worry about the bad old days of constant overtime.

COMPLEX

Looking back at the instability of his youth, he felt grateful that the bad old days of poverty and uncertainty were firmly behind him.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all one's born days

    One's whole life.

  2. 02

    any old nook or cranny

    Alternative form of any nook or cranny.

  3. 03

    bad actor

    An individual or entity with a prior criminal conviction, or who has been sanctioned by the court or regulator.

  4. 04

    bad apple

    A person who is not wholesome, honest, or trustworthy, especially one who has an adverse influence on others.

  5. 05

    bad books

    Disfavor.

  6. 06

    bad business

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

  7. 07

    bad company

    The wrong crowd.

  8. 08

    bad egg

    Someone whose behaviour is reprehensible or irresponsible; a rogue.

© 2026 English Reference