bad lot
Group of troublemakers
A bad lot is a person of questionable character—someone unreliable, dishonest, or morally suspect.
The phrase treats people like merchandise that might be defective: Her brother was always a bad lot, in and out of trouble.
Chiefly British and somewhat old-fashioned, it appears in contexts where someone is being written off as hopeless or irredeemable.
Dishonest or uncontrolled agent
- rascalLovable troublemaker
- villainWicked story antagonist
- ne'er-do-wellIrresponsible, idle person
- blackguardContemptible, dishonest person
reprobate · miscreant · knave · cad · wretch · delinquent · troublemaker · wrongdoer
Persistent ill fortune
- raw dealUnjust treatment received
- tough breakUnfortunate turn of events
- losing handInferior card combination
- cruel fateUnkind predetermined outcome
Harmful social group
- gangOrganized criminal group
- mobDisorderly, aggressive crowd
- riffraffDisreputable or undesirable people
- rabbleDisorderly, noisy crowd
undesirables · hooligans · delinquents · thugs · lowlifes · ne'er-do-wells
rogue
Dishonest or uncontrolled agent
- rascalLovable troublemaker
- villainWicked story antagonist
- ne'er-do-wellIrresponsible, idle person
blackguard · reprobate · miscreant · knave · cad · wretch · delinquent · troublemaker · wrongdoer · black sheep
hard luck
Persistent ill fortune
- raw dealUnjust treatment received
- tough breakUnfortunate turn of events
- losing handInferior card combination
wrong crowd
Harmful social group
- gangOrganized criminal group
- mobDisorderly, aggressive crowd
- riffraffDisreputable or undesirable people
rabble · undesirables · hooligans · delinquents · thugs · lowlifes · ne'er-do-wells
bad lotgood egg
Dependable, kindhearted person
saint · good sort · good person · straight arrow · angel
bad lotpillar of the community
Respected local leader
pillar of society · solid citizen · gentleman · gentlewoman · leading light