ENGLISH
REFERENCE

bad penny

idiom

A person or thing which is unpleasant, disreputable, or otherwise unwanted, especially one which repeatedly appears at inopportune times.


Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a pound to a penny

    Very likely; almost certainly.

  2. 02

    bad actor

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

  3. 03

    bad apple

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

  4. 04

    bad books

    Disfavor.

  5. 05

    bad business

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

  6. 06

    bad company

    The wrong crowd.

  7. 07

    bad egg

    Someone whose behaviour is reprehensible or irresponsible; a rogue.

  8. 08

    bad hair day

    A day when things seem to be unmanageable or go wrong.

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