bad eggs
People to avoid
Bad eggs are people who are untrustworthy, dishonest, or generally disreputable—the opposite of good eggs.
The phrase treats character like produce that can spoil: There are a few bad eggs in every organization.
A single bad egg can be shortened to a bad egg: Her brother turned out to be a bad egg.
Decomposing orchard produce
- black sheepDisreputable family member
- scoundrelsDishonest, unprincipled people
- ne'er-do-wellsIdle, worthless individuals
- miscreantsWrongdoers or lawbreakers
delinquents · hoodlums · villains · rogues · reprobates · wrongdoers · malefactors · knaves
Decomposed or corrupt
- sulfurYellow combustible element
- stinkOffensive smell
- putridDecomposed and foul-smelling
- foulOffensive or illegal
decay · contaminated · inedible · expired · off · tainted · perished · decomposed
Corrupt payment for influence
- embezzlementFraudulent taking of entrusted assets
- fraudIntentional criminal trickery
- graftIllicit political gain
- kickbacksIllegal return payments
nepotism · extortion · money laundering · cronyism · malfeasance · misappropriation · scandal · racketeering
rotten apples
Decomposing orchard produce
- black sheepDisreputable family member
- scoundrelsDishonest, unprincipled people
- ne'er-do-wellsIdle, worthless individuals
miscreants · delinquents · hoodlums · villains · rogues · reprobates · wrongdoers · malefactors · knaves · scallywags
rotten
Decomposed or corrupt
foul · decay · contaminated · inedible · expired · off · tainted · perished · decomposed · rank
bribery
Corrupt payment for influence
- embezzlementFraudulent taking of entrusted assets
- fraudIntentional criminal trickery
- graftIllicit political gain
kickbacks · nepotism · extortion · money laundering · cronyism · malfeasance · misappropriation · scandal · racketeering · swindle
bad eggsgood eggs
Dependable, likable people
pillars of the community · salt of the earth · straight arrows · saints · angels