IdiomFood & Drink
Italian
Italianmela marcia
Meaning: A person who is corrupt or morally bad and whose influence damages those around them.
Literally: Rotten apple
Example: “Una mela marcia ha rovinato la reputazione di tutta la squadra.” — One bad apple ruined the whole team's reputation.
English equivalent: A bad apple
Equivalents in other languages
English: bad apple
Origin: A single rotten apple spoils the ones around it in the barrel, which is why the image stands for one bad person who corrupts a group. The idea is old and widespread in European proverbs, as in English "one bad apple spoils the barrel"; the claim that the Italian phrase dates from the 16th century could not be confirmed.
More Italian idioms
- toccare il fondo To reach the lowest point of degradation or despair; to hit rock bottom.
- mettere fuori combattimento To silence someone or exclude them from participation and influence.
- dannarsi l'anima To work extremely hard or exert oneself to the utmost.
- guardarsi alle spalle To remain vigilant and aware of dangers or threats that might come from behind.
- qui casca l'asino That is the crux of the matter; that is where the real difficulty lies.
- battere la grancassa To advertise or publicize something widely and loudly; to spread news or promote somethin…
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