Bad Blood – Meaning & Usage Examples

Unravel the layers of the idiom ‘bad blood’ as we explore its meaning, trace its origin, examine real-life examples, and even discover quotes that shed light on the essence of this expressive phrase. Ready to delve into the intricacies of language? Let’s begin!

Meaning of the Idiom

The idiom ‘bad blood’ is used to describe a longstanding and deep-seated animosity, resentment, or ill will between individuals or groups. This phrase suggests that there is a history of conflict or hostility, often stemming from past grievances or disagreements, leading to a strained relationship characterized by negative feelings.

Origin of the Idiom

The origin of “bad blood” can be traced to medieval beliefs about health and temperament. It was believed that a person’s temperament and mood were influenced by the balance of bodily fluids, including blood. When there was an imbalance, it was thought to result in a bad or irritable temperament. Over time, this concept evolved, and the expression ‘bad blood’ began to be used metaphorically to describe interpersonal conflicts.

10 Idiom Examples in Real-Life Conversations

1. The family reunion was marked by bad blood between siblings who had unresolved issues from the past.

2. The merger negotiations fell apart due to the bad blood between the CEOs, who had clashed in previous business dealings.

3. Despite attempts at reconciliation, there remained a lingering sense of bad blood between former friends who had drifted apart.

4. The political debate was characterized by bad blood, with candidates exchanging personal attacks rather than focusing on issues.

5. The divorce proceedings were complicated by the bad blood between the estranged couple, making negotiations challenging.

6. The sporting event turned hostile as players from rival teams exhibited bad blood, resulting in several on-field altercations.

7. The business partnership dissolved due to the bad blood between the co-founders, who had different visions for the company.

8. The school reunion had an awkward atmosphere due to the bad blood among former classmates who had never resolved conflicts.

9. The legal battle intensified as each party harbored bad blood from previous disputes, making compromise nearly impossible.

10. The neighborhood feud had its roots in bad blood between families, leading to a strained community atmosphere.

10 Quotes Using the Idiom

1. “In the world of diplomacy, resolving bad blood between nations requires skillful negotiation and a commitment to lasting peace.” – Unknown

2. “The scars of bad blood may fade, but the lessons learned from healing can create a stronger and more harmonious future.” – Unknown

3. “When bad blood poisons relationships, forgiveness becomes the antidote, restoring the potential for genuine connection.” – Unknown

4. “Breaking the cycle of bad blood requires courage, humility, and a commitment to building bridges instead of walls.” – Unknown

5. “As long as bad blood lingers, the wounds of the past will continue to influence the present; healing is the path to liberation.” – Unknown

6. “Families torn apart by bad blood can find redemption in understanding, compassion, and a shared commitment to rebuilding bonds.” – Unknown

7. “The landscape of business is not immune to the presence of bad blood, but successful leaders navigate conflicts with grace and resolution.” – Unknown

8. “Communities thrive when they address the root causes of bad blood, fostering unity, understanding, and shared goals for the future.” – Unknown

9. “In the tapestry of human connections, the threads of bad blood can be replaced with strands of empathy, creating a richer and more vibrant pattern.” – Unknown

10. “Leaders who address bad blood head-on create organizations where collaboration and innovation flourish in the absence of lingering hostilities.” – Unknown

Idioms Starting From Letter B

Each and every letter of the English alphabet has hundreds of idioms. As in this post, we are talking about the idiom beginning with the letter B. There are many other idioms that also start with the ‘B’, which can be useful to you. We have gathered all the B-starting idiomatic expressions on a single page to make it easy for you to find the best and most useful idioms starting with the letter B.

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