Question

in_the_loop_115 a personal history that includes both successes and failures, or ethical and unethical behavior The expression originates from the alternating black and white (opposite colors) of a checker board. It is generally used in a negative sense, focusing more on failures and unethical behavior than on successes and ethical behavior.

Accepted Answer

CHECKERED PAST Larry has quite a checkered past, but things are getting better. He has a new job and is saving for a new apartment.The personnel director of the company refused to consider Mr. Dupont’s application for employment because of his checkered past.

Id	in_the_loop_115
Idiom	CHECKERED PAST
Definition	a personal history that includes both successes and failures, or ethical and unethical behavior
Examples	Larry has quite a checkered past, but things are getting better. He has a new job and is saving for a new apartment. The personnel director of the company refused to consider Mr. Dupont’s application for employment because of his checkered past.
Extra Info	The expression originates from the alternating black and white (opposite colors) of a checker board. It is generally used in a negative sense, focusing more on failures and unethical behavior than on successes and ethical behavior.

Checkered Past Successes Ethical Unethical Behavior Loop Personal