Bad Egg – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever met someone who seemed nice at first—but later showed they couldn’t be trusted? Maybe they lied, broke promises, or acted selfishly when it mattered most. In English, you might call them a bad egg! This old-fashioned but vivid idiom describes a person who is dishonest, unreliable, or morally flawed—despite appearing normal on the outside.
What Does “Bad Egg” Mean?
“Bad egg” means a person who is untrustworthy, deceitful, or just not good-hearted. Think of it like an egg that looks fine on the outside—but inside, it’s rotten. The phrase isn’t about real eggs; it’s a simple, image-rich way to say, “Don’t trust that person—they’re no good.”
When to Use It
Use this phrase in casual or storytelling conversations with friends or family when describing someone who has proven themselves dishonest or harmful. It’s often used with a tone of disappointment or warning—not anger. While “bad egg” is informal and a bit old-fashioned, it’s still understood and occasionally used in movies, books, or nostalgic speech. Avoid it in formal or professional settings.
Example Sentences
- Stay away from him—he’s a bad egg.
- She seemed sweet, but turned out to be a bad egg.
- Not all the guys in that group are trouble—just one bad egg.
- My grandpa always said, “You can’t judge a man by his smile—some bad eggs wear nice suits.”
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “Why didn’t you go into business with Mark?”
Jamie: “I heard he cheated his last partner. Total bad egg.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t use “bad egg” for someone who just made a mistake or had a bad day. It refers to a pattern of poor character—not a single error.
❌ Don’t say: “He forgot my birthday—what a bad egg!” (That’s thoughtless, not evil.)
✅ Do say: “He stole from his friends—that’s a bad egg.”
Practice Tip
Next time you hear about someone who’s repeatedly dishonest or harmful, say: “Sounds like a bad egg.” It’s a natural, colorful way to warn others in English—just remember it’s a strong judgment!
Final Note
Now you can use “bad egg” to describe untrustworthy people with old-school flair! It’s a compact, memorable phrase that carries a clear warning. Keep using it wisely—and remember, even the shiniest shell can hide a rotten center.