mean streak

mean streak

An inclination, tendency, or propensity for cruelty, spite, malice, or violence. Her dad is usually a pretty nice, chilled out guy, but he's gets a real mean streak when he's been drinking. I think you should take your son to a therapist—he's got a mean streak that is very uncommon in a boy his age.
See also: mean, streak
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

mean streak

Fig. a tendency for a person to do things that are mean. I think that Wally has a mean streak that no one ever saw before this incident.
See also: mean, streak
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

mean streak, a

A tendency toward nastiness. In effect, the phrase implies that a person is not entirely bad but is given to occasional spiteful or malicious behavior. The Toronto Daily Star used it on June 16, 1960: “A girl who would be attracted to Bud’s mean streak and bad temper must be a little out to lunch.” See also out to lunch.
See also: mean
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • mean streak, a
  • (as) mean as a junkyard dog
  • junkyard
  • meaner than a junkyard dog
  • trend toward
  • trend toward (something)
  • be chilled to the marrow
  • chilled to the marrow
  • marrow
  • have sticky fingers
References in periodicals archive
But they have also kept clean sheets in their last five games all told since Toure has been re-united with Frenchman William Gallas to form a mean streak in the heart of the defence.
Untouchable Kolo plugs all the holes in Toure de force; CHAMPIONS LEAGUE LAST 16, 1ST LEG
ANDY MILLEN wants St Mirren to develop a mean streak just like Clyde, the team he quit for Love Street.
Football: I WANT TO TURN LOVE STREET INTO MEAN STREET; ST MIRREN 2 CLYDE 3 Players told to get tough
But he admitted his old gaffer had a mean streak which would see him crush any weak individuals if they stood in his way.
STRACHAN: SIR ALEX IS GREATEST
The bustling striker may have a mean streak when it comes to sticking the ball in the back of the net but he turns into a gentle giant when he sees her face peering back at him from the computer screen.
Football: De Vries getting well via internet
On-loan Birmingham central defender Martin Taylor said : "It's vital for every team to have a mean streak because you simply can't win without it.
Football: ROEDER: NO MORE MR NICE GUYS; Coca Cola CHAMPIONSHIP Watford full-back has a new goal
ALEX SMITH has demanded his Dundee United underachievers inject a mean streak into their play.
FOOTBALL: Smith wants mean streak
THIS refers to the article 'A mean streak' (July 13) by Irfan Husain.
'A mean streak'
Here's hoping they can show the same defensive mean streak this week.
Jaded Jags need extra effort
The 28-year-old Catalan is more motivated too by his older brother Rene, who is currently on a mean streak with six straight wins, to keep grinding.
At his best level yet, Robin Catalan confident ahead of ONE strawweight bout
June Mar Fajardo, coming off a dominant display against TNT, tries to keep San Miguel's mean streak along with a plethora of talented teammates.
PBA: SMB, Phoenix eye first blood
Toby's in bad shape, and Fred longs to rescue him from the old man with the mile-long mean streak who lives next door.
Strays Like Us
Winter A HARSH, raw, bone-chilling wind And unrelenting bitter cold Hard frosts whitening the frozen ground In a cruel winter tale told Ice glinting silver on streams and ponds Drifting snow carpeting the ground Hibernating wildlife seeking sanctuary as best it can But for some there is no escape to be found Early darkness reducing the daylight hours Leaving grey days as short and bleak Uncaring nature showing yet again Her evolutionary mean streak But on a far-distant day yet to come One that will make all wilting spirits sing She will herald the long-awaited arrival Of the golden glory that is life-affirming spring!
Your Poems
MATT KEEN ON A MEAN STREAK..BY DAVID ANDERSON MATT LOWTON admits Burnley need some wins - and fast - to kick-start their stalled season.
MATT KEEN ON A MEAN STREAK.
Henderson said: "All the folk around me tell me to stop being so friendly, that I've got to develop a mean streak.
Winner John's a TV star
Griffin also implied in her new (https://www.amazon.com/Kathy-Griffins-Celebrity-Run-Ins-Z/dp/1250115639) book , "Kathy Griffin's Celebrity Run-Ins: My A-Z Index," that DeGeneres has a "mean streak that all of Hollywood knows about." While the comedian did not name DeGeneres, she gave clues about the identity of the person she was referring to, and they fit DeGeneres.
Kathy Griffin Opens Up About Years-Long Feud With Ellen DeGeneres