troublemaker

Everyday

A troublemaker is a person who often causes problems, for example by breaking rules, starting fights or upsetting others on purpose. tree →

In the lessons

Common in school life and stories; a teacher may move a troublemaker to the front. It tells the reader the character tends to misbehave, although stories often show a "troublemaker" has reasons or can change. Phrases: «a real troublemaker», «a bit of a troublemaker», «known as a troublemaker».

Examples

• The teacher sat the troublemaker near her desk. tree →
• Jake had been called a troublemaker since infant school. tree →
• The troublemakers were sent to the head's office. tree →
• She was not a troublemaker; she was just bored. tree →
• One troublemaker spoiled the trip for everyone. tree →
• Don't label him a troublemaker; give him a chance. tree →

Note

Countable noun, one word: trouble + maker. Close words: rascal, rebel, stirrer (UK informal). Trap: labels stick; a child who once caused trouble is not always a troublemaker.