bad blood

noun

1. unfriendly or hostile relations; enmity; hostility; animosity:

   When the territory was being settled there was bad blood between the farmers and the ranchers.

bad blood

noun

1. a feeling of intense hatred or hostility; enmity

Word History and Origins

Origin of bad blood¹

First recorded in 1815–25

Idioms and Phrases

Anger or hostility between persons or groups, as in There's been bad blood between the two families for years . This term is based on the old association with blood and emotion, particularly anger. Versions such as ill blood preceded it; Charles Lamb was among the first to use the idiom in its current form in an 1823 essay.

Example Sentences

The bad blood reached a boiling point in the sixth inning when Flaherty hit Tatis in the side, leading to a stare from the tempestuous right fielder and words from Profar.

From Los Angeles Times

He also clarified that there was no bad blood in this breakup.

From Los Angeles Times

She tells fans there is ‘no bad blood’ behind her departure.

From Los Angeles Times

But Roag Best said it was not because of any bad blood.

From BBC

There had been plenty of bad blood during the primary and there were still some raw feelings that needed to be dealt with before the full celebration could begin.

From Salon

Related Words

• acrimony
• animosity
• animus
• antagonism
• bitterness
• distrust
• enmity
• hatred
• hostility
• ill will
• nastiness
• rancor
• resentment