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Rotten Apple

What Does "Rotten Apple" Mean?

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"Rotten apple" is an English idiom. It means "a person who is corrupt, dishonest, or morally compromised within an otherwise reputable or virtuous group; someone whose actions taint the reputation of others."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "rotten apple" used in a sentence:
  • One rotten apple in the company's leadership had a detrimental impact on the entire organization's image.
  • It's important to address and remove the rotten apples within a team to maintain a culture of trust and integrity.
  • In the story, the main character discovers a rotten apple among their group of friends, leading to a moral dilemma.
meaning for rotten apple

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Rotten Apple" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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