bad blood

USAGE SUMMARY

'bad blood' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a feeling of animosity, resentment, or ill will between two people, groups, or nations. Example: The centuries of war between the two kingdoms had created a deep sense of bad blood between them.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bad blood!

The Guardian - Music

Some bad blood".

The New York Times

There's no bad blood.

The New York Times

Bad blood continues today.

The New York Times

Bad blood might mean anemia.

Yale University

BAD BLOOD, by John Sandford.

The New York Times

The bad blood flows again.

The New York Times - Sports

But the bad blood remained.

The New York Times

Is bad blood competitive fuel?

The New York Times - Sports

There is bad blood there.

The Guardian

"No bad blood," Grosek said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bad blood," be mindful of the intensity of the phrase. It implies a significant and deeply rooted animosity. If the conflict is minor or recent, consider using softer alternatives like "disagreement" or "tension".

Common error

Avoid using "bad blood" to describe simple disagreements or temporary friction. This phrase signifies a profound and potentially long-lasting animosity, not a fleeting moment of discord.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad blood" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes animosity, resentment, or ill will. The examples in Ludwig demonstrate this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

9%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bad blood" is a common noun phrase used to describe feelings of animosity or ill will, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media, it is considered grammatically correct and registers as neutral to informal. When writing, it's crucial to ensure the term accurately reflects the depth of the conflict and consider softer alternatives for minor disagreements. Related phrases include "ill will", ""animosity"", and "rancor", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. While not suited for highly formal contexts, its frequent use and clear meaning make it a valuable addition to your vocabulary, as showcased by the many examples available on Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ill will

Suggests a feeling of animosity or resentment.

grudge

Implies a persistent feeling of resentment, often long-standing.

animosity

Refers to a strong feeling of dislike or hatred.

bitterness

Implies a feeling of resentment and anger.

hostility

Indicates open opposition or antagonism.

feud

Describes a prolonged and bitter quarrel or conflict.

rancor

Suggests bitter, long-lasting resentment or ill will.

enmity

Indicates a state of deep-seated ill will.

antagonism

Indicates active hostility or opposition.

discord

Suggests a lack of agreement or harmony.

FAQs

How can I use "bad blood" in a sentence?

You can use "bad blood" to describe long-standing animosity, such as: "There's a lot of "animosity" between the two families because of the "bitter feud" over land rights."

What are some alternatives to saying "bad blood"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "ill will", "hostility", or "rancor" as alternatives to "bad blood".

Is "bad blood" a formal or informal expression?

"Bad blood" is generally considered a neutral to informal expression, suitable for news reports and casual conversation. In highly formal or academic writing, consider more precise terms like "antagonism" or "enmity".

What causes "bad blood" between people or groups?

"Bad blood" can stem from various sources, including historical grievances, personal betrayals, or unresolved conflicts. It signifies a deep-seated feeling of "resentment" that fuels animosity.