bad apple

noun

, Informal.

1. a discontented, troublemaking, or dishonest person:

   In any group of average citizens there are bound to be a few bad apples.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bad apple¹

From the proverb “one bad apple spoils the barrel”

Example Sentences

Josh Duggar wasn't just one bad apple in the Quiverfull community.

From Salon

My husband is with me in kicking Mia out and telling his relatives to stuff it but thinks Mia was just one bad apple and argues that our other tenants worked out pretty well.

From Slate

One prominent commentator, for example, wrote about Trump’s most recent threats while entirely ignoring his "bad apple" analogy.

From Salon

“This is a unique opportunity to help restore some faith” in a criminal legal and law enforcement system that’s hurt itself by repeatedly failing to deal with “bad apple” officers, he said.

From Seattle Times

“The culture here in Jacksonville, in Duval County … we don’t have a bad apple, we have a bad apple orchard,” attorney Harry Daniels said.

From Seattle Times