A Bad Egg / A Good Egg (Origin)

by Craig Shrives

What Is the Origin of the Saying "A Bad Egg / A Good Egg"?

Meaning decent and dependable (good egg) or not reliable or corrupt (bad egg), the term bad egg was first used in the novel "Captain Priest" by Samuel A Hammett. These metaphors in the novel was greatly studied in the 20th century and was used to describe the decent people as good eggs.

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A Bad Egg / A Good Egg (Origin)

Examples of Use:

  • He always goes out of his way to help others; he's truly a good egg.
  • Despite his mischievous reputation, deep down, he's actually a good egg with a kind heart.
  • She has proven herself to be a bad egg by constantly causing trouble and showing no remorse.
  • After stealing from his friends, everyone knew he was a bad egg who couldn't be trusted.
  • Even though she made a mistake in the past, she has since turned her life around and become a good egg.

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What are idioms? What is figurative language? A list of common grammar errors A list of easily confused words A list of sayings and proverbs