Idiom 'A Bad Apple'

source: Twominute English     2013年7月15日
The idiom 'a bad apple' is used to describe a person who is bad or a troublemaker. It describes somebody who ruins everything and put a bad influence on things around. It normally refers to a person but it may also refer to some objects. Here in this video the meaning of the idiom 'a bad apple' is discussed along with examples. You will learn how to use the idiom in your conversations after watching this video.
Exercises for this lesson: http://twominenglish.com/video/229-Id...
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0:18 The idiom 'a bad apple' is used to describe someone who is inherently bad, dishonest or a troublemaker.
0:27 This idiom is actually a part of the proverb 'one rotten apple spoils the whole barrel',
0:33 which means a single bad person in a group of good people, may influence all of them, causing them to do wrong as well.
0:41 You are right, Nina. In fact, it may refer to anything which causes something wrong.
0:46 Did you just say 'anything'? You mean it also applies to a 'thing', right? For example: The new sales policy is a bad apple for the whole industry.
0:58 That's correct! It means causing a bad influence. Everybody knows that Jimmy is a rotten apple in the committee.
1:06 Right! In fact, such a bad apple should be put behind bars! He's a criminal!
1:12 Correct! 'A bad apple' can even mean a criminal.
1:16 I mean it, Max! We had a real hard time because of him!
1:20 Okay. Cool down, Nina! Believe me, he'll be taken care of!
1:30 Mrs. Austen, I want to talk to you about your son Calvin.
1:35 Yes Mrs. Jane.
1:37 He's such a bad apple. He's ruining my class.
1:42 Calvin? But he's a very quiet boy. What is he doing?
1:46 He tells the class that I don't teach well, and that the class is not learning anything.
1:52 Really, Mrs. Jane? Calvin is a very intelligent kid. Maybe the problem is you.
2:03 Did you all reach a decision at the meeting today?
2:06 A waste of time. Pete seems to be a bad apple for the whole management.
2:13 Yeah, but I don't believe that he's the one to blame.
2:16 He's the one who caused us to lose the contract because he insulted their CEO!
2:23 Bad apple!
2:31 Nina, is Irene dating that waiter at Ruffo's?
2:36 Yes, he is her new crush!
2:39 Sorry to hear that! Don't you know he is a bad apple?
2:44 Is that true?
2:47 Yeah! He dates and dumps!
2:51 I'm calling her right now. She deserves to know.
2:56 Everybody knows that Jimmy is a rotten apple in the committee.
3:05 The new sales policy is a bad apple for the whole industry.
3:16 He's such a bad apple.
3:22 Pete seems to be a bad apple for the whole management.
3:33 Don't you know he is a bad apple?
3:43 Bad apple!