[turn] up like a bad penny - Definition & Meaning | Lingo Dictionary

[turn] up like a bad penny

to reappear where one is not welcome or neededto reappear where one is not welcome or needed

The phrase "turn up like a bad penny" is an idiomatic expression that originated in the 18th century. It refers to someone or something that keeps reappearing, often when they are unwelcome or unwanted. The "bad penny" in the phrase alludes to a counterfeit or defective coin, which nobody wants. So, when someone or something "turns up like a bad penny," it means they keep showing up even when they are not wanted or expected.The phrase "turn up like a bad penny" is an idiomatic expression that originated in the 18th century. It refers to someone or something that keeps reappearing, often when they are unwelcome or unwanted. The "bad penny" in the phrase alludes to a counterfeit or defective coin, which nobody wants. So, when someone or something "turns up like a bad penny," it means they keep showing up even when they are not wanted or expected.

Examples

I try to avoid Jessica, but wherever I go she turns up like a bad penny!
No matter where I go, my old high school rival always seems to turn up like a bad penny.
I thought I had finally gotten rid of that broken-down car, but it turned up like a bad penny in my driveway again.

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[turn] up like a bad penny

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to reappear where one is not welcome or needed

The phrase "turn up like a bad penny" is an idiomatic expression that originated in the 18th century. It refers to someone or something that keeps reappearing, often when they are unwelcome or unwanted. The "bad penny" in the phrase alludes to a counterfeit or defective coin, which nobody wants. So, when someone or something "turns up like a bad penny," it means they keep showing up even when they are not wanted or expected.

I try to avoid Jessica, but wherever I go she turns up like a bad penny!
No matter where I go, my old high school rival always seems to turn up like a bad penny.
I thought I had finally gotten rid of that broken-down car, but it turned up like a bad penny in my driveway again.
My annoying neighbor has a way of turning up like a bad penny whenever I'm enjoying a quiet moment on my porch.
The troublemaker at work can't resist turning up like a bad penny in every meeting to disrupt things.