bum rap
An undeservedly unfavorable portrayal or reputation.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“That movie gets a bum rap from critics.”
“Many people think this neighborhood is dangerous, but it gets a bum rap.”
“Despite the historical evidence suggesting his noble intentions, the king has received a bum rap from scholars for centuries.”
- 01
bum rush
A storming into an establishment.
- 02
bum steer
Bad advice or information, regardless of intention.
- 03
bum's rush
The forcible ejection of someone, such as a bum or a hobo, from an establishment.
- 04
corporate welfare bum
A business corporation or business executive receiving significant financial assistance from government sources.
- 05
rap and rend
To snatch (physically, or steal).
- 06
rap someone's knuckles
to give someone a punishment.
- 07
take the rap
To be blamed or punished for something, especially for the wrongful actions of another; to willingly allow oneself to be so blamed or punished.
Last updated August 10, 2026