bad penny
Unwanted persistent returner
A bad penny is someone or something unwanted that keeps reappearing.
The phrase comes from the proverb "a bad penny always turns up"—counterfeit or worthless coins inevitably circulate back.
Usually said of troublesome people who won't stay away: Her no-good ex is a bad penny who shows up whenever she's doing well.
Going back to origin
- recurrentHappening multiple times
- reappearingShowing up again
- resurfacingComing up again
- coming backArriving again after departure
turning up · inescapable · unavoidable · relentless · stubborn · tenacious · dogged · persistent
Cause of aggravation
- unwantedNot wished for
- unwelcomeNot wanted here
- bothersomeCausing mild annoyance
- intrusiveInvading others' privacy
undesirable · uninvited · shunned · avoided · dreaded · troublesome · pest · burden
Dishonest, unscrupulous person
- rogueDishonest or uncontrolled agent
- ne'er-do-wellIrresponsible, idle person
- troublemakerOne who creates discord
- black sheepDisreputable family member
prodigal · wastrel · swindler · cheat · grifter · untrustworthy · shady · dodgy
Traditional pithy truth
- sayingShort, wise expression
- proverbTraditional saying expressing truth
- idiomFixed phrase, opaque meaning
- folkloreInherited cultural narratives
maxim · truism · old wives' tale · expression · cliché · aphorism · wisdom · cautionary
returning
Going back to origin
- recurrentHappening multiple times
- reappearingShowing up again
- resurfacingComing up again
coming back · turning up · inescapable · unavoidable · relentless · stubborn · tenacious · dogged · persistent · unshakeable
nuisance
Cause of aggravation
- unwantedNot wished for
- unwelcomeNot wanted here
- bothersomeCausing mild annoyance
intrusive · undesirable · uninvited · shunned · avoided · dreaded · troublesome · pest · burden · annoyance
scoundrel
Dishonest, unscrupulous person
- rogueDishonest or uncontrolled agent
- ne'er-do-wellIrresponsible, idle person
- troublemakerOne who creates discord
black sheep · prodigal · wastrel · swindler · cheat · grifter · untrustworthy · shady · dodgy · notorious
adage
Traditional pithy truth
- sayingShort, wise expression
- proverbTraditional saying expressing truth
- idiomFixed phrase, opaque meaning
folklore · maxim · truism · old wives' tale · expression · cliché · aphorism · wisdom · cautionary · moral
bad pennypleasant surprise
Unanticipated positive occurrence
sight for sore eyes · prodigal son · blessing in disguise · answered prayer · godsend
bad pennylucky penny
Coin kept for fortune
good luck charm · guardian angel · gift that keeps on giving · faithful friend · silver lining