Take the bad with the good

usgb
phrase

Accept both the unpleasant and the good aspects of a situation.

Life is full of ups and downs, and you just have to take the bad with the good.
Visual representation of "take the bad with the good" - Accept both the unpleasant and the good aspects of a situation.

Often appears as...

  • have to take the bad with the good
  • just take the bad with the good

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "take the bad with the good"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emotional Nuance

Expresses acceptance of reality, acknowledging you can't have only good times without some bad.

Illustration for Emotional Nuance
After losing the game, he sighed and said, 'You have to take the bad with the good.'
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

It's a metaphorical phrase; 'bad' and 'good' represent any positives and negatives, not specific items.

Illustration for Not Literal
Despite the rainy days on our trip, we still had fun—sometimes you take the bad with the good.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Colloquial

It's informal, suited for casual conversations rather than formal writing or professional settings.

Illustration for Colloquial
When the party was less fun than expected, she shrugged, saying, 'Just take the bad with the good.'
Visual representation of the word "Take the bad with the good"

Never forget "Take the bad with the good"

Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google PlayGet it from MicrosoftGet it on AppGallery
Chrome

WordUp Chrome Extension

As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.

Get Chrome Extension
Back to top