What does “From bad to worse.” mean?

"From bad to worse" means that when things are already bad, they can always get even worse.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I thought my day couldn't get any worse, but then I lost my wallet. From bad to worse.

Example

First, I got a flat tire, and then it started pouring rain. From bad to worse.

Example

I was already running late, and then I missed my train. *From bad to worse.

Is “From bad to worse.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“From bad to worse.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “From bad to worse.” effectively in context?

You can use "From bad to worse" to describe a situation that is already bad and then becomes even worse. It emphasizes the idea that things can always get worse, even when they seem to be at their lowest point. For example, if someone is having a terrible day and then receives more bad news, you might say, 'First, she lost her keys, and then her car broke down. It went from bad to worse.'

1Personal Life
She was already feeling sick, and then she got caught in a rainstorm. From bad to worse.
2Work
He was already behind on his deadline, and then his computer crashed. From bad to worse.
3Travel
They were already running late for their flight, and then they hit traffic. From bad to worse.

Similar phrases to “From bad to worse.”:

Out of the frying pan and into the fire

To go from a bad situation to an even worse one

Example

He thought leaving his old job would solve his problems, but he ended up jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire.

Adding insult to injury

To make a bad situation even worse

Example

Not only did he lose his job, but his car broke down too. Talk about adding insult to injury.

When it rains, it pours

When bad things happen, they tend to happen all at once

Example

First, she lost her wallet, then her phone died, and finally, her car wouldn't start. When it rains, it pours.

Going downhill

To progressively get worse

Example

Ever since the new manager took over, the company's performance has been going downhill.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “From bad to worse.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "From bad to worse" is unknown.

Is “From bad to worse.” common in everyday conversation?

"From bad to worse" is a common proverb that is often used in everyday conversation. People use it to express the idea that a situation has gone from bad to even worse, emphasizing the worsening of circumstances.

What tone does “From bad to worse.” have?

"From bad to worse" conveys a tone of frustration or resignation. It is used to describe situations that have taken a turn for the worse, highlighting the negative aspects and the feeling of things spiraling out of control.

Can “From bad to worse.” be used in informal and formal settings?

"From bad to worse" is a relatively informal proverb that can be used in casual conversations with friends, family, and colleagues. It may also be used in more formal settings, such as presentations or writing, to emphasize the worsening of a situation.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

"From bad to worse" is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Her day went from bad to worse when she received a parking ticket.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'From bad to worse!' to express frustration.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

deteriorating
spiraling downward
taking a turn for the worse
going from bad to worse
getting worse by the minute

Antonyms

improving
getting better
turning the tide
making progress
moving in the right direction