bad apples
Spoilers of bunches
Bad apples are individuals whose misconduct supposedly represents isolated cases rather than systemic problems.
The phrase comes from the proverb that one bad apple spoils the barrel—yet modern usage often inverts this meaning, implying the rest are fine: It's just a few bad apples in the department.
Critics note that invoking bad apples frequently deflects from institutional accountability.
Organic breakdown process
- moldForm-giving container
- spoilageFood degradation process
- bruisedInjured beneath skin
- overripePast optimal freshness
decomposition · putrefaction · fermented · blemished · discolored · foul-smelling · inedible · contaminated
Corrupt payment for influence
- embezzlementFraudulent taking of entrusted assets
- fraudIntentional criminal trickery
- graftIllicit political gain
- kickbacksIllegal return payments
nepotism · extortion · cronyism · malfeasance · misappropriation · money laundering · racketeering · collusion
Capacity to cause harm
- contagionDisease spread by contact
- peer pressureInfluence from one's equals
- disruptionForceful interruption of process
- underminingWeakening by covert means
sabotage · demoralization · spreads · infects · enabler · instigator · troublemaker · agitator
rot
Organic breakdown process
overripe · decomposition · putrefaction · fermented · blemished · discolored · foul-smelling · inedible · contaminated · tainted
bribery
Corrupt payment for influence
- embezzlementFraudulent taking of entrusted assets
- fraudIntentional criminal trickery
- graftIllicit political gain
kickbacks · nepotism · extortion · cronyism · malfeasance · misappropriation · money laundering · racketeering · collusion · profiteering
toxicity
Capacity to cause harm
- contagionDisease spread by contact
- peer pressureInfluence from one's equals
- disruptionForceful interruption of process
undermining · sabotage · demoralization · spreads · infects · enabler · instigator · troublemaker · agitator · malcontent
- troublemakerstroublemaker, rascals, delinquents, imps, brats
bad applesgood eggs
Dependable, likable people
pillars of the community · assets · cream of the crop · stars · gems
bad applesteam players
Those prioritizing collective success
good sports · collaborators · unifiers · morale boosters · cooperators
bad applesgood eggs
Dependable, likable people
saints · pillars of the community · straight arrows · exemplars · paragons