Turn up like a bad penny
phrase
To appear or arrive especially when unwanted or unexpected.
Unfortunately, my annoying cousin always turns up like a bad penny at family events.
Often appears as...
- to turn up like a bad penny
- he turns up like a bad penny
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To appear or arrive especially when unwanted or unexpected.
Unfortunately, my annoying cousin always turns up like a bad penny at family events.
Often appears as...
- to turn up like a bad penny
- he turns up like a bad penny
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Implies annoyance or frustration due to someone repeatedly showing up where they're not wanted.
Just when we thought we'd seen the last of him, he turned up like a bad penny at the reunion.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Usage
Used in casual conversation, typically not in formal or written contexts.
At every club meeting, she turns up like a bad penny, much to everyone's dismay.
Pro Tip 3/3Unexpectedness
Highlights the surprise element when someone or something unwelcome reoccurs.
I paid off my debt, but the collector keeps turning up like a bad penny.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Implies annoyance or frustration due to someone repeatedly showing up where they're not wanted.
Just when we thought we'd seen the last of him, he turned up like a bad penny at the reunion.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Usage
Used in casual conversation, typically not in formal or written contexts.
At every club meeting, she turns up like a bad penny, much to everyone's dismay.
Pro Tip 3/3Unexpectedness
Highlights the surprise element when someone or something unwelcome reoccurs.
I paid off my debt, but the collector keeps turning up like a bad penny.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Implies annoyance or frustration due to someone repeatedly showing up where they're not wanted.
Just when we thought we'd seen the last of him, he turned up like a bad penny at the reunion.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Usage
Used in casual conversation, typically not in formal or written contexts.
At every club meeting, she turns up like a bad penny, much to everyone's dismay.
Pro Tip 3/3Unexpectedness
Highlights the surprise element when someone or something unwelcome reoccurs.
I paid off my debt, but the collector keeps turning up like a bad penny.
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