ENGLISH
REFERENCE

in bad odor

idiom
Meaning

Regarded with disapproval; in a situation of being disliked; shunned.


Origin

disputed origin

Compare odour of sanctity.

Examples
SIMPLE

He is in bad odor with his neighbors after the loud party.

CONTEXTUAL

Because she missed three deadlines in a row, she is currently in bad odor with her manager.

COMPLEX

After the scandal broke, the politician found himself in bad odor with the public, and his chances of reelection vanished overnight.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bad actor

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

  2. 02

    bad apple

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

  3. 03

    bad books

    Disfavor.

  4. 04

    bad business

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

  5. 05

    bad company

    The wrong crowd.

  6. 06

    bad egg

    Someone whose behaviour is reprehensible or irresponsible; a rogue.

  7. 07

    bad hair day

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

  8. 08

    bad iron

    bad luck.

© 2026 English Reference