1. Home
2. Idioms
3. a bum rap

a bum rap

---

---

a bum rap

An unfair accusation, punishment, or reputation. Tommy was sent to jail on a bum rap because of his prior criminal history, but we know he didn't rob that bank—he was with us the day it happened! He didn't get elected because he got such a bum rap from the mainstream media during his campaign.

See also: bum, rap

a bum rap

  (American informal)

blame or punishment that is not fair Teachers are getting a bum rap from people who say they don't work hard enough. She was sent up to the penitentiary on a bum rap.

See also: bum, rap