the black sheep of the family

the black sheep of the family

One who is unlike other family members, sometimes due to intentional rebelliousness, and often viewed unfavorably by them. Everyone likes me because I'm so quiet and obedient. The same cannot be said for my wild cousin Nathan, who is the black sheep of the family.
See also: black, family, of, sheep
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

black sheep of the family

Fig. the worst member of the family. Mary is the black sheep of the family. She's always in trouble with the police. He keeps making a nuisance of himself. What do you expect from the black sheep of the family?
See also: black, family, of, sheep
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • black sheep of the family
  • a/the black sheep
  • black sheep
  • the black sheep
  • there is a black sheep in every flock
  • come off worse
  • one's name is mud
  • your name is mud
  • your, his, etc. name is mud
  • (one's) name is mud
References in classic literature
The third, Rodger, was the black sheep of the family. He came of the old masterful Baskerville strain and was the very image, they tell me, of the family picture of old Hugo.
The Hound of the Baskervilles
He had called Martin the black sheep of the family and repudiated him.
Martin Eden
It takes its toll.' We also quickly meet Edith, played by Jessica Hynes, who is the black sheep of the family. She's a dedicated environmental activist and has been away for years in the thick of protesting.
Emma steps to the dark side; Emma Thompson tackles a rare TV role in Russell T Davies' new BBC1 drama Years And Years, playing ruthless politician Vivienne Rook YEARS AND YEARS Tue 9pm BBC1 Emm tackle Russe Years politic
I asked him where he learnt his talent and he just explained that he was "the black sheep of the family." His father and mother made good pizza...
KT Vlogs: "Warning! - this is not your ordinary pizza"
In life, Dash was the black sheep of the family. Following his death at twenty-two from an apparent drug overdose, Dash gets into trouble in the underworld and sees his only escape through the possession of his sixteen-year-old sibling, Ruby.
Porter, Sarah. When I Cast Your Shadow
"She's definitely the black sheep of the family which is something she embraces, but I think it's also her biggest struggle."
'Aftermath' Star Talks Stunts Gone Wrong
He was referred to as the black sheep of the family.
Cheryl's link to hero and Taliban captive
Demond apparently was the black sheep of the family, with prior felony convictions and arrests for possession of a handgun and stolen property.
Final rally
"My character Sam is the black sheep of the family. He is the brother of the show's lead character, Kokoy (Dingdong Dantes) who is a priest.
Hiro Peralta to portray gay man in new soap
"She'll be doing it tonight, she'll be watching the Royal Variety show and I know what she'll be saying - she'll be like: 'Oh look, there he is, the black sheep of the family, embarrassing himself in front of the one that got away'."
Star Liam's jitters as he meets Kate; ONE DIRECTION AT ROYAL VARIETY SHOW
Marina's brother Pasha, a poet and the black sheep of the family, stays behind.
Panic in a Suitcase
Even though Mellie is the black sheep of the family, Nettie still holds out hope the show might help to change her younger sister.
View in context
She always described herself as the black sheep of the family, but it was all her own doing.
She chose booze over her family; WOMEN SPEAK OUT ON FIRE MURDERER
As the black sheep of the family, Rennie is stubborn and strong willed, which may be a good thing as his grandfather wants him to fly to Iceland and deliver a message from beyond the grave.
Close to the Heel (Seven the series)
"He describes himself as the black sheep of the family, and he says that he will have to change his lifestyle."
TERRORISED BY BURGLAR; Mum woke to man by bed