Bad books
Definitions
to have a negative opinion of someone
Express disapproval or dislike of someone, often due to their past actions or behaviorto have a negative reputation or standing
Refer to someone or something as being of poor quality or character, typically resulting in negative consequences or outcomes
Examples of Bad books
Ever since I accidentally spilled coffee on his new laptop, I've been in the bad books with my boss.
Being "in the bad books" with someone means that the person is upset or annoyed with you.
Julia forgot her mother-in-law's birthday last week, and now she is definitely in her bad books.
Julia is not in favor with her mother-in-law because of her forgetfulness.
To get out of the bad books with his girlfriend, he planned a surprise weekend getaway.
He is trying to make amends and regain his girlfriend's good graces after upsetting her.
She's been in the bad books of the library club since she lost the rare edition they lent her.
The library club members are displeased with her due to the loss of a valuable book.
The team knew they would be in the coach's bad books if they continued to ignore his strategies.
The coach would be displeased with the team for not following his guidance.
After failing to meet the project deadline, Tom found himself in the bad books of the entire management team.
The management is dissatisfied with Tom for not completing the project on time.
"Stop being in his bad books by doing your chores as promised," the mother told her son.
The mother advises her son to do his assigned tasks to avoid continued disapproval from his father.
The politician's failure to fulfill election promises quickly landed her in the bad books with the electorate.
The voters are unhappy with the politician due to unmet campaign promises.
Conclusion
The idiom "bad books" can be used to express negative opinions or feelings towards someone, as well as to refer to someone or something in a negative light. It carries a connotation of disapproval and can be used to discourage or caution against engaging with a particular person or thing.Origin of "Bad books"
The origin of this idiom is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the late 16th century in England. The word "book" at the time was often used to refer to a person's character or reputation. Therefore, being in "bad books" meant having a negative character or reputation.
Another theory suggests that the idiom may have originated from the practice of keeping a record of debts or favors owed, known as "keeping the books." Being in someone's "bad books" could then refer to being in their record of negative debts or actions.
Regardless of its exact origin, the idiom has been used for centuries to express disapproval or negative opinions towards someone or something. It also highlights the importance of maintaining a good character and reputation in society.