Idioms

in someone's bad books

This page is about the idiom in someone's bad books

INFORMAL

Meaning

If you're in someone's bad books, they are not pleased with you.

For example

  • I think I'm in Jenny's bad books. I forgot her birthday, and now she's not answering my calls.

  • Make sure you don't get in the boss's bad books. If you do, he'll make life hell for you.

Note:
This idiom means the opposite to "in someone's good books."

Quick Quiz

I think I'm in Gillian's bad books. She's been

a. ignoring me

b. helping me out

c. friendly to me
a) ignoring me b) helping me out c) friendly to me

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Common English Idioms

Contributor: Matt Errey