bad apple
One who spoils
A bad apple is a person whose behavior or character negatively affects a group.
The phrase comes from the proverb about one rotten apple spoiling the barrel—corruption spreads.
Often used to minimize systemic problems: It's just a few bad apples in the department.
The irony is that the original proverb warns against tolerating bad apples, not excusing them.
Decomposed or corrupt
- spoiledRuined or overindulged
- corruptDishonest, open to bribes
- disruptiveTending to interrupt order
- toxicCapable of causing harm
destructive · saboteur · agitator · instigator · rabble-rouser · problem child · loose cannon · wild card
Rejected, shunned person
- rejectDismiss as unsuitable
- misfitOne who doesn't fit in
- outsiderOne excluded from group
- undesirableNot wanted or sought
persona non grata · scapegoat · fall guy · odd one out · loner · renegade · exile · ostracized
Organized cooperative unit
- organizationStructured group with purpose
- workplaceEmployment location
- bunchGrouped collection of items
- barrelHooped cylindrical vessel
cohort · unit · department · squad · crew · staff · roster · ranks
Distributes over area
- infectsTransmits pathogens to
- corruptsCauses moral decline
- taintsMakes slightly impure
- contaminatesMakes unclean or impure
poisons · spoils · ruins · ripple effect · chain reaction · domino effect · influence · permeates
rotten
Decomposed or corrupt
- spoiledRuined or overindulged
- corruptDishonest, open to bribes
- disruptiveTending to interrupt order
toxic · destructive · saboteur · agitator · instigator · rabble-rouser · problem child · loose cannon · wild card · liability
pariah
Rejected, shunned person
undesirable · persona non grata · scapegoat · fall guy · odd one out · loner · renegade · exile · ostracized · shunned
team
Organized cooperative unit
- organizationStructured group with purpose
- workplaceEmployment location
- bunchGrouped collection of items
barrel · cohort · unit · department · squad · crew · staff · roster · ranks · company
spreads
Distributes over area
contaminates · poisons · spoils · ruins · ripple effect · chain reaction · domino effect · influence · permeates · pervades
- reputationreputation, reputable, repute, disreputable, good name
- troublemakerstroublemaker, rascals, delinquents, imps, brats
- body idiomsheart of gold, heart of stone, cold heart, warm heart, soft heart
- criminalsmurderer, thief, burglar, criminal, killer
bad applegood egg
Dependable, kindhearted person
shining example · pillar of the community · role model · straight arrow · salt of the earth
bad, apple, applesauce, black sheep, crabapple, bad egg, bad apples