Bad Blood
“Bad blood” describes hostile feelings or resentment between people because of past conflict. The guide stays with present-day dictionary meaning and does not invent an exact origin story.
“Bad blood” means lasting hostility or resentment between people after conflict.
Key details
Further guidance
History Boundary
This guide establishes current dictionary-supported meaning and does not claim an exact inventor, coinage date, or first use.
Meaning
“Bad blood” means hostile or hateful feelings between people, especially after earlier arguments or conflict.
Usage Boundary
Use the phrase figuratively in contexts matching the documented meaning rather than assuming a literal reading.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Bad blood — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Current meaning of bad blood as hostile feelings after past arguments