bring out the worst in
phrase
: to cause someone to show his or her worst qualities
I think competition brings out the worst in people.
Drinking brings out the worst in him.
Cite this Entry
“Bring out the worst in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bring%20out%20the%20worst%20in. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
