rotten apple

Corrupting group member

A rotten apple is a person whose bad behavior or character corrupts others in a group.

The phrase comes from the proverb about one rotten apple spoiling the whole barrel—decay spreads.

Often used to minimize systemic problems: It's just a few rotten apples in the department.

The full proverb suggests the opposite: that tolerating one corrupts all.

corruption

bad influence

One who encourages wrongdoing

troublemakerOne who creates discord
corruptorOne who spoils integrity
spreadsDistributes over area

contagion · taint · contamination · infection · influence · moral decay · blight · poison · toxicity

outcast

black sheep

Disreputable family member

pariahRejected, shunned person
troublemakerOne who creates discord
scapegoatUnfairly blamed person

reject · unwelcome · persona non grata · disgrace · liability · problem child · weak link · bad egg · bad seed · whistleblower

spoilage

bruised

Injured beneath skin

overripePast optimal freshness
moldyCovered in fungal growth
fermentedTransformed by microbial action

putrid · discolored · foul-smelling · inedible · decomposing · wasted · tainted · sour · browned · perished

Categories

idiomstime flies, hit the sack, seize the day, ring a bell, break a leg
proverbsproverbs, sayings, maxims, adages, aphorisms
Untrustworthy Thingsbroken promise, fair-weather friend, snake in the grass, wolf in sheep's clothing, two-faced

Opposites

moral character within a group

rotten applepillar of the community

Respected local leader

good egg · straight arrow · honest broker · team player · good influence

exemplar quality

rotten appleshining example

good example · paragon · poster child · exemplar · role model

physical condition of fruit

rotten appleperfect specimen

Family

rotten, apple, rotted, rotting, rottenness, apples

Familiarity: Top 100,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G