leave a bad taste in one's mouth
/liːv ə bæd teɪst ɪn wʌnz maʊθ/
Meaning
This expression describes a situation, interaction, or experience that leaves someone with a lingering bad impression, feeling of unease, or regret. In relationships, it often refers to a conversation or event that ended poorly, making you feel uncomfortable or suspicious about the other person's motives.
Examples
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The way he spoke to his mother really left a bad taste in my mouth.
The way he spoke to his mother really left a bad taste in my mouth.
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Our last conversation left a bad taste in my mouth, so I've been avoiding her.
Our last conversation left a bad taste in my mouth, so I've been avoiding her.
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The meeting went well overall, but his passive-aggressive comment left a bad taste in my mouth.
The meeting went well overall, but his passive-aggressive comment left a bad taste in my mouth.
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I wanted to trust them, but the sudden change in the contract terms left a bad taste in my mouth.
I wanted to trust them, but the sudden change in the contract terms left a bad taste in my mouth.
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Her dismissive attitude during the breakup left a bad taste in his mouth.
Her dismissive attitude during the breakup left a bad taste in his mouth.
Common Mistakes
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✗ The argument left a bad taste in my tongue.
✓ The argument left a bad taste in my mouth.
This is a fixed idiom. You must use 'mouth', not 'tongue' or any other body part.
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✗ His behavior left me a bad taste.
✓ His behavior left a bad taste in my mouth.
The idiom requires the full prepositional phrase 'in [someone's] mouth' to make sense.
Related Expressions
Practice
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The condescending tone she used during our talk really ___.
💡 Use the past tense form of the idiom to describe a lingering negative feeling.
Show answer
left a bad taste in my mouth
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I try not to let minor disagreements ___.
💡 The base form of the idiom fits after 'let minor disagreements'.
Show answer
leave a bad taste in my mouth