What does “One bad apple” mean?
"One bad apple" means that there is a person who has a negative influence on others.
What context can I use the in?
Example
We need to remove that one bad apple from the team.
Example
Don't let one bad apple ruin the whole experience for you.
Example
The company culture was great until one bad apple joined the team
Is “One bad apple” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“One bad apple” 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 “One bad apple” effectively in context?
You can use "One bad apple" to refer to a person who has a negative influence on others. It suggests that one negative individual can spoil the overall atmosphere or reputation of a group or situation. For example, if there is a team member who constantly brings negativity and conflicts, you might say, 'We need to remove that "one bad apple" from the team.'
- 1Teamwork
The project was going smoothly until one bad apple joined the team and started causing conflicts.
- 2Social Setting
Don't let one bad apple ruin the whole experience for you. There are still many good people to meet.
- 3Workplace
The company culture was great until one bad apple joined the team and brought negativity.
Similar phrases to “One bad apple”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “One bad apple” come from?
The origin of the phrase "One bad apple" is unknown.
Is “One bad apple” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "One bad apple" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe a person who has a negative impact on a group or situation.
What tone does “One bad apple” have?
"One bad apple" conveys a tone of caution and warning. It suggests that the presence of one negative individual can have a detrimental effect on the overall dynamics or atmosphere.
Can “One bad apple” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "One bad apple" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that highlights the negative influence of an individual. You can use it in casual conversations with friends or colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as meetings or presentations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'We need to remove that "one bad apple" from the team.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Watch out for "one bad apple"!' to imply being cautious about negative influences.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- troublemaker
- negative influence
- toxic person
- rotten apple
- bad seed
Antonyms
- positive influence
- team player
- role model
- good apple
- inspirational figure
