We all know someone people warn us about—a troublemaker, a schemer, or just plain unreliable. That’s the kind of person English speakers used to call a bad lot. This curious-sounding phrase isn’t heard as often today, but it still pops up in books, movies, and conversations when describing someone with a poor character. In this post, we’ll unpack the meaning, explore its origins, and look at examples to help you use a bad lot naturally.
Meaning of “A Bad Lot”
The idiom “a bad lot” refers to a person—or sometimes a group—considered dishonest, untrustworthy, or immoral. It’s an informal way to say that someone is “no good” or “a troublemaker.”
Here’s what it can mean:
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Dishonest or immoral person: “He’s a bad lot; don’t trust his promises.”
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A disappointing group or batch: “That team’s a bad lot—they’ve lost every game this season.”
✅ In short: “A bad lot” means someone (or something) of poor character or quality.
Origin of “A Bad Lot”
The expression dates back to the 18th century in British English. The word lot once referred to a group, batch, or type—just like when we say “a good lot of apples” or “a bad lot of students.” Over time, people began using lot metaphorically to describe people rather than things.
By the early 1800s, a bad lot had become a popular phrase for shady or disreputable characters, appearing frequently in Victorian novels and everyday conversation. For example, in Charles Dickens’s works, characters often describe rogues and scoundrels as “bad lots.”
While the phrase sounds slightly old-fashioned today, it still carries a clear punch—especially in British English, where it’s used to label someone as morally questionable or simply not to be trusted.
Examples in Sentences
Here are some ways a bad lot appears in real conversation and writing:
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“Everyone warned me that Carl was a bad lot, but I didn’t believe them until it was too late.”
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“The new recruits turned out to be a bad lot—lazy, rude, and unreliable.”
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“That politician’s a bad lot; his scandals never seem to end.”
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“You can tell from his attitude that he’s a bad lot.”
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“The company’s last batch of managers were a bad lot, but the new team is excellent.”
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“My grandmother would shake her head and say, ‘He’s a bad lot, that one,’ whenever someone got into trouble.”
Notice how flexible the idiom is—it can describe individuals, groups, or even metaphorical “lots” like products or teams.
Similar Idioms or Phrases
If you want to express a similar idea, here are a few other idioms you can use:
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A rotten apple: Someone who spoils or negatively influences others.
“One rotten apple can ruin the whole bunch.” -
A black sheep: A person who’s considered a disgrace or outcast within a family or group.
“She was the black sheep of the family after she dropped out of school.” -
Up to no good: Someone who’s doing something suspicious or wrong.
“Those kids hanging around the alley look like they’re up to no good.” -
No angel: A polite way to say someone isn’t innocent.
“He’s no angel, but at least he’s trying to change.”
All these phrases paint a picture of someone whose behavior or morals don’t meet expectations—just like a bad lot.
Personal Insight
I’ve always found a bad lot fascinating because it sounds so distinctly British, almost like a line from an old detective novel. It has a vintage charm that modern slang doesn’t quite capture. When I teach idioms, I like to include phrases like this to show how language preserves culture and attitude—even centuries later.
Conclusion
The idiom “a bad lot” may sound old-fashioned, but it remains a powerful way to describe someone of poor character or low moral standards. Its roots in 18th-century English remind us how language evolves while still carrying the spirit of its origins.
Do you use a bad lot in your everyday conversations? Share your examples or similar idioms in the comments—I’d love to hear how you make this phrase your own!