What does “In my bad books” mean?

"In my bad books" means to be in someone's disfavor or to be disliked by someone.

What context can I use the in?

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

Example

Ever since I broke his favorite mug, I've been in his bad books.

Example

After I accidentally spilled coffee on her new dress, I'm definitely in her bad books.

Example

He's been in my bad books ever since he forgot my birthday

Is “In my bad books” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“In my bad books” 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 “In my bad books” effectively in context?

You can use "In my bad books" to describe being in someone's disfavor or being disliked by someone. It implies that the person is unhappy with you or has a negative opinion of you. For example, if your friend is upset with you for forgetting their birthday, you might say, 'I'm definitely in their bad books now.'

1Friendship
Ever since I broke his favorite mug, I've been in his bad books.
Ever since I broke his favorite mug, I've been in his bad books.
2Apology
After I accidentally spilled coffee on her new dress, I'm definitely in her bad books.
After I accidentally spilled coffee on her new dress, I'm definitely in her bad books.
3Forgotten Occasion
He's been in my bad books ever since he forgot my birthday.
He's been in my bad books ever since he forgot my birthday.

Similar phrases to “In my bad books”:

In someone's doghouse

To be in someone's disfavor or to be disliked by someone

Example

After forgetting to pick up his dry cleaning, he's definitely in his wife's doghouse.

On someone's blacklist

To be in someone's disfavor or to be disliked by someone

Example

After spreading rumors about her, he's definitely on her blacklist.

In someone's bad graces

To be in someone's disfavor or to be disliked by someone

Example

After breaking her favorite vase, he's definitely in her bad graces.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “In my bad books” come from?

The origin of the phrase "In my bad books" is unknown.

Is “In my bad books” common in everyday conversation?

"In my bad books" is a relatively common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express that they are in someone's disfavor or have done something to be disliked by someone.

What tone does “In my bad books” have?

"In my bad books" conveys a tone of disapproval or disappointment. It suggests that the person using the phrase is aware of their negative standing with someone and may feel regretful or apologetic.

Can “In my bad books” be used in informal and formal settings?

"In my bad books" is a fairly informal phrase that is commonly used in casual conversations among friends, family, and acquaintances. It may not be as commonly used in formal or professional settings.

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, 'Ever since I broke his favorite mug, I've been in his bad books.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Looks like I'm in "his bad books" now!' to imply being in someone's disfavor.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

in someone's disfavor
unpopular with someone
not in someone's good books
on someone's bad side
in someone's black book

Antonyms

in someone's good books
favored by someone
in someone's good graces
on someone's good side