bad apple

Meaning: A person of bad character whose presence corrupts or damages others or a group.

Example: “One bad apple in the team kept stirring up arguments.”

Equivalents in other languages

Origin: A literal bad apple in a barrel spoils the others around it through contact; the metaphor transfers to human character.

thrash out To discuss and resolve a contentious issue thoroughly through frank dialogue.
play Cupid To act as a matchmaker by trying to bring two people together romantically.
bad blood Persistent hostility or deep resentment between people.
pull teeth To accomplish something with great difficulty, requiring much effort and persistence.
cut a rug To dance with energy and style, particularly in early twentieth-century jazz or swing sty…
stumbling block An obstacle or barrier that impedes progress or causes difficulty.

Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.

Pantoffelheld A man who is only bold and brave at home — a henpecked pushover who bluster turns into a…
Schlauberger A know-it-all smartass who never misses a chance to show off their cleverness.
Dickkopf A pig-headed, unyielding person — their skull is so thick no new idea can penetrate it.

Keep exploring