(get/be) on somebody's bad side
Meaning(s)
1. do something or behave in a way that angers somebody or causes them to dislike you
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
you don't want to be on his/her bad side
Analysis
This idiom is usually said in relation to somebody in a position of power or authority, or who is considered dangerous in some way. When preceded with the word 'don't', as it often is, it becomes a warning. Often, you can 'get on somebody's bad side' accidentally through something you said or did, without realizing it would cause offence or be received in a negative light. It is common in both a social and professional context in an informal way.
Social Examples (Basic)
- I think I got on Sarah's bad side at the party because of my boorish behaviour. Hopefully she will accept my apology and not hold it against me.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- Mike is someone with a lot of power and influence in the industry. You really don't want to get on his bad side.
- I don't want to be on my manager's bad side, but at the same time I can't just let her walk all over me.