Bad Blood Between Us: What It Really Means and How to Use It Right

When someone says there's "bad blood" between people, they aren't talking about a medical condition—they're describing tension, resentment, or hostility. This phrase is commonly used to explain long-standing animosity, especially in relationships, families, businesses, or rivalries.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the meaning, origin, context, and usage of the idiom "bad blood", along with synonyms and example sentences to help you use it naturally in conversation and writing.

📖 Meaning of "Bad Blood"

Bad blood refers to ill feeling, hatred, or resentment between people, often because of past conflicts or disagreements. It usually implies a long-standing grudge that hasn’t been resolved.

🔄 Synonyms for "Bad Blood"

Here are some synonyms and similar phrases:

Animosity
Hostility
Resentment
Grudge
Feud
Enmity
Ill will
Tension

While each of these words has a slightly different nuance, they all convey a similar sense of negativity in a relationship.

🗣️ Usage and Context of "Bad Blood"

"Bad blood" is often used:

In personal relationships (e.g., family feuds or fallouts between friends)
In professional or corporate disputes
In historical or cultural rivalries (e.g., sports or political conflicts)

Common Contexts:

"There’s been bad blood between them since the lawsuit."
"Despite their bad blood, they worked together professionally."
"Bad blood has existed between the two families for generations."

🧬 Origin of "Bad Blood"

The phrase "bad blood" dates back to the 14th century, but it became more figuratively popular in the 19th century.

Originally, it had medical roots—people believed that diseases or mood disorders were caused by literal "bad" blood in the body. Over time, the expression evolved into a metaphor for emotional conflict or unresolved bitterness between individuals or groups.

✍️ 5 Example Sentences Using "Bad Blood"

There’s been bad blood between the neighbors ever since the property line dispute.
Despite the bad blood from their breakup, they managed to stay civil at the party.
The merger failed due to bad blood between the two companies’ executives.
Old bad blood between the rival soccer teams made the match extra intense.
They tried to put their bad blood behind them for the sake of the children.

✅ Quick Recap

"Bad blood" means unresolved hostility or resentment.
It often arises from past conflicts and implies emotional tension.
It's used in both personal and professional contexts.
The phrase has old medical origins but is now fully metaphorical.

Whether you're writing dialogue, a novel, or just trying to sound fluent in English, "bad blood" is a versatile idiom that conveys a powerful emotional undertone.

💡 Pro Tip for Writers and Bloggers:

When using "bad blood" in your writing, pair it with context that shows cause (like betrayal, jealousy, or rivalry) and effect (like conflict or avoidance). This helps your audience feel the emotional weight of the phrase.

Thanks for reading!
Got a favorite idiom you want explained? Drop it in the comments below! ✍️👇