a bad rap

a bad rap

1. A negative or unfavorable reputation. I seem to have gotten a bad rap after coming in late so many times.
2. A criminal charge that is undeserved. I think Paulie got a bad rap and never actually committed the crimes they're accusing him of.
See also: bad, rap
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

bad rap

1. n. a false criminal charge. (Underworld. The same as bum rap.) Freddy got stuck with a bad rap.
2. n. unjustified criticism. Butter has been getting sort of a bad rap lately.
See also: bad, rap
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • bad rap
  • look black
  • on the wrong foot
  • candy-coat
  • bleak
  • look bleak
  • go bad
  • rap sheet
  • sheet
  • come up with the rations
References in periodicals archive
But of course nothing should be censored, and if you ask me, this form of music has just been given a bad RAP.