rotten apples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rotten apples" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to bad or undesirable individuals within a group, often implying that they can negatively affect the rest of the group. Example: "In any organization, there are always a few rotten apples that can spoil the morale of the entire team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Once we found a bunch of rotten apples inside".

The New York Times

"And then he's saying, 'Now you'll get rotten apples.

The New York Times

Every company managing thousands of employees and billions of dollars battles with inefficiencies and rotten apples.

The New York Times

He and his father spear rotten apples and toss them over the fence.

The New Yorker

The farmer, when he saw it, came out with a belt to hit the kids for stealing rotten apples!

The New York Times

Rotten apples No marginal business Smoke alarm Checking the slumpometer ReprintsThe insurer certainly uses its muscle to shape how markets perceive it.

The Economist

Even if policy did not change, the memo undermines the administration's "rotten apples" defence in Abu Ghraib.Lastly, Mr Bush's reaction was not reassuring.

The Economist

It's rotten apples and ripe oranges.

TechCrunch

Huge amounts of rotten apples are generated in China, the biggest apple producer in the world.

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

In the British Isles they feed on berries and rotten apples in freezing weather, and on worms and other invertebrates when the weather is milder.

BBC

Of course, on a site that touts tens of millions of members, there's bound to be an orchard or two of rotten apples.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "rotten apples", ensure the context clearly indicates that these individuals are spoiling an otherwise good group or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "rotten apples" to dismiss broader systemic problems by solely blaming individuals. Often, a focus on individual bad actors can obscure underlying issues that enable such behavior. Remember, a few "bad apples" don't necessarily reflect a healthy orchard.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rotten apples" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It's used metaphorically to describe undesirable or corrupt individuals within a larger group. As Ludwig AI suggests, it highlights the negative impact these individuals have.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

20%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rotten apples" is a common noun phrase used metaphorically to describe corrupt or undesirable individuals within a larger group. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's primarily found in news and media contexts, serving to highlight negative influences or potential for harm. While understandable in most situations, more formal settings might benefit from less figurative language. The related phrases offer alternatives depending on the nuance desired. Finally, it's important to use this phrase accurately, avoiding the common error of using it to dismiss systemic issues by solely blaming individuals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bad seeds

Focuses on the inherent nature of being problematic or corrupt, rather than the collective damage.

corrupt individuals

Emphasizes the corruption aspect, suitable when highlighting unethical behavior.

troublemakers

Highlights the aspect of causing problems or disturbances.

undesirable elements

A more formal way to refer to problematic members within a group.

negative influences

Focuses on the detrimental impact these individuals have on others.

black sheep

Refers to someone who is different or doesn't fit in, often implying they cause trouble.

problematic members

A direct and neutral way to describe individuals causing issues within a group.

flawed characters

Highlights the inherent imperfections and moral shortcomings of these individuals.

unscrupulous people

Focuses on the lack of moral principles and ethical standards.

deviant personalities

Emphasizes the non-conformity and potential for harm or disruption.

FAQs

How can I use "rotten apples" in a sentence?

You can use "rotten apples" to describe individuals who negatively impact a group or organization. For example: "The company's reputation was tarnished by a few "bad apples" in the management team".

What's the difference between "rotten apples" and "bad apples"?

The phrases "rotten apples" and "bad apples" are often used interchangeably. Both refer to undesirable or corrupt individuals within a larger group. The slight difference might be that "rotten apples" implies a more advanced state of decay or corruption.

What can I say instead of "rotten apples" to describe corrupt individuals?

Alternatives to "rotten apples" include "corrupt individuals", "troublemakers", or "undesirable elements", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "rotten apples" in a formal context?

While "rotten apples" is understandable, it might be too informal for certain formal contexts. In professional or academic settings, consider using phrases like "corrupt individuals" or "problematic members" for a more neutral tone.