the black sheep of the family

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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

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
References in classic literature ?
The third, Rodger, was the black sheep of the family.
View in context
He had called Martin the black sheep of the family and repudiated him.
View in context
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
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.
Meet the Gypsy Sisters; You thought Big Fat Gypsy Weddings was outrageous - just wait till you get a load of our latest obsession. Nettie, Kayla, Mellie and Laura are gossip-loving, clothes-mad gypsies from West Virginia - stars of TLC's new show Gypsy Sisters..
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
It was the smallest planet, smaller than our own moon, and was the black sheep of the family.
Tidings from afar; Tiny surprise from a dwarf planet
Theo becomes concerned when he hears he had been pen pals with April and enlists the help of Uncle Ike, the black sheep of the family.
BOOKS
The Black Sheep of the family is Graham's eldest brother, Herbert.
GRAHAM GREEN'S EXTRAORDINARY FAMILY
Jim Sheridan's film is distinguished by emotionally raw performances and Gyllenhaal plies roguish charm as the black sheep of the family.
Don't be late for Burton's Wonderland; DVDs
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