a rotten apple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rotten apple" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used metaphorically to describe a person or thing that negatively affects a group or situation. Example: "In any organization, one rotten apple can spoil the morale of the entire team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

After all, it does seem a little peculiar for the man who called Balotelli "a rotten apple" to sign him just a month later.

Vice

A rotten apple will contaminate the environment".

The Guardian - Sport

It's sadly a rotten apple situation," Mr. Spencer said.

The New York Times

It's like a rotten apple in a basket.

The Guardian - Sport

Residents marched in protest with placards that read "New York sent us a rotten apple".

The New York Times

He is a rotten apple and could infect every group where he goes, even Milan".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

The Democratic party's founding chairman, Martin Lee, poured scorn on the idea that the two or three candidates would offer voters a meaningful choice, asking those at a Sunday night pro-democracy rally: "W's the difference between a rotten orange, rotten apple and a rotten banana?

The Guardian

"This is not just an incident of a few rotten apples on an otherwise pristine tree".

The New York Times

For instance, if you were writing about a bad love affair, a title like "Rotten Apple" might get any readers off in the mood you want.

WikiHow

Politicians on both sides of the aisle long insisted the scandals could be traced to a few rotten apples in an otherwise healthy barrel; a few radicals worry that the barrel itself (the capitalist system) is rotten.

The New York Times

"It's wrong for the funeral industry to say it's a matter of a few rotten apples," she said.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a rotten apple" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly establishes the group or system being negatively affected. Provide specific examples to illustrate the detrimental impact.

Common error

While "a rotten apple" is widely understood, it can sound too informal in academic or professional contexts. Opt for more precise and neutral language, such as "corrupting influence" or "source of instability".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rotten apple" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used metaphorically. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a person or thing that exerts a negative influence within a group or system. Many examples show how it signifies a source of corruption or negativity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a rotten apple" is a common noun phrase used metaphorically to describe a negative influence within a group or system. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts. While commonly found in news and media, it's essential to consider the level of formality when choosing this phrase for academic or professional writing. When the situations need an alternative there are some options such as "a bad influence" or "a corrupting element". Remember to use this expression precisely, ensuring that the negative impact and affected group are clearly defined.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bad influence

Focuses on the impact of someone's actions on others, rather than their inherent character.

a corrupting element

Highlights the way in which something pure or good is tainted by the presence of something negative.

a negative example

Emphasizes the use of someone's failures as a lesson for others.

a troublemaker

Focuses on a person who causes problems or difficulties.

a disruptive force

Highlights the way something interferes with the normal functioning of a system or group.

a cancer

Implies a destructive presence that spreads and consumes everything around it.

a liability

Highlights the burden or disadvantage that something or someone represents.

a flaw in the system

Focuses on a defect or weakness that compromises the integrity of a larger structure.

a source of contamination

Emphasizes the way in which something becomes impure or harmful through contact with something else.

a discordant note

Highlights something inconsistent with its surroundings

FAQs

How can "a rotten apple" affect a team?

Just like a single rotten apple can spoil the whole barrel, one negative person or element can damage team morale, productivity, and overall performance. It's important to address such issues promptly to prevent them from spreading.

What are some alternatives to "a rotten apple"?

You can use alternatives like "a bad influence", "a corrupting element", or "a negative example" depending on the context.

In what kind of situations can I use the expression "a rotten apple"?

The expression "a rotten apple" is often used to describe a person, thing or situation that negatively affects a larger group or organization. This can be applicable to a team, a community, or even a political system.

Is it correct to say "a few rotten apples"?

Yes, the plural form "a few rotten apples" is also a common expression. It usually refers to a small number of individuals or elements that are causing problems within a larger group. The phrase is often used to minimize the severity of a broader issue.