English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
In the bad books
Meaning
The idiom "in the bad books" means that someone has done something wrong or offended someone, which has caused them to be disliked or avoided. It is a figurative expression that suggests that someone's behavior has put them in a negative light.
Usage
- She accidentally spilled coffee on her shirt and was in the bad books with her boss for the rest of the day.
- After arguing with his coworkers, he found himself in the bad books at work.
- The musician's offensive comments during an interview put him in the bad books with fans and critics alike.
- The neighbor's loud music kept the family up at night, putting her in the bad books with her neighbors.
- The chef's mistake in preparing dinner left the customers disappointed and put her in the bad books with the management.
Roots and History
The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it has been used in English since at least the early 20th century. It may have derived from the expression "in black books," which refers to a person's negative reputation or record. However, "in the bad books" is more common and has become a popular idiom in contemporary language. Over time, its usage has remained relatively consistent, but it has become more widely used as people use it to describe their own experiences or those of others.
Synonyms in English
- In the doghouse
- Out of favor
- Blacklisted
- Shunned
- Ostracized
Synonyms in other languages
- French: "Ennemie de tout le monde" (enemies of everyone) - This idiom is used to describe someone who has no friends or allies, and everyone avoids them.
- Spanish: "Luego de haberle causado mucho dolor y enojarlo" (after causing him a lot of pain and anger) - This idiom is used to describe someone who has done something wrong or hurtful and has caused someone else to be angry or upset.
- German: "Niemand für ihn bietet an" (no one offers to help him) - This idiom is used to describe someone who has no friends, allies, or supporters.
- Italian: "Non siamo stati bene accolti" (we were not welcomed well) - This idiom is used to describe someone who has been rejected or ostracized by others.
- Portuguese: "Em trás das nuvens" (behind the clouds) - This idiom is used to describe someone who is hiding something negative, such as a mistake or wrongdoing, from others.