# put the bad mouth on

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/put-the-bad-mouth-on
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To speak ill of; to vilify.

## Examples

- Do not put the bad mouth on your coworkers.
- He always puts the bad mouth on his former boss whenever he talks to new colleagues.
- Despite her professional success, she felt hurt that her rival continued to put the bad mouth on her reputation behind her back.

## Origin

Compare badmouth.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.