up to no good
Bent on trouble
Planning or engaged in mischief, wrongdoing, or something improper.
The phrase implies suspicion about someone's intentions or activities: I could tell by the way they were whispering that they were up to no good.
Often used when the exact nature of the trouble remains unknown but the signs are clear: Those kids are up to no good.
- up to somethingSecretly planning mischief
- lyingStating known falsehoods
- mischiefPlayful troublesome behavior
- cheatingDeceptive rule-breaking
- theftUnlawful taking of property
bad behavior · questionable · clandestine · behind closed doors · surreptitious · prank · tomfoolery · hijinks · shenanigans · furtive · vandalism · skulking · fraud · covert · nefarious · duplicity · shady · unethical
up to no goodwell-intentioned
Having good motives
acting in good faith · doing good · on the up and up · benevolent · altruistic
up to no goodinnocent
Free from moral wrong
blameless · harmless · above suspicion · squeaky clean · guileless
up to no goodaboveboard
Honest and unconcealed
on the level · trustworthy · honest · dependable · reliable