It leaves a bad taste in your mouth, What does it mean?

Feifei
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. I’m Feifei.

Neil
And I ‘m hungry - I mean Neil. Feifei, why did you book this studio recording session at midday? I’m starving! Do you fancy going for lunch? I’ve heard that new chicken restaurant just down the road is excellent!

Feifei
Not sure about that.

Neil
Oh, have you been there before?

Feifei
Yes, and it left a bad taste in my mouth .

Neil
Oh really? So the food’s bad? Everyone says it’s great!

Feifei
Well, the food was great …

Neil
Eh? The food was great but it left a bad taste in your mouth ? I don’t understand!

Feifei
Let me explain. If something leaves a bad taste in your mouth , it means you’ve ‘had a bad experience and the memory is unpleasant’.

Neil
Oh I see. So, what went wrong?

Feifei
The bill was twice as much as it should have been!

Neil Ah, I get it now! We use the expression it leaves a bad taste in your mouth when we have a negative experience and feel bad or angry about it afterwards - like being ripped off in a restaurant!

Feifei
Come on, Neil. Let’s hear some examples. Then we can go for lunch somewhere that doesn’t rip me off!

Examples
I refuse to go back to that hotel. They were so rude! It left a bad taste in my mouth .

When my boss sent me that angry email last thing on Friday, it left a bad taste in my mouth .

It left a bad taste in my mouth when I got fined for going just one mile an hour over the speed limit!

Feifei
This is The English We Speak from BBC Learning English. And I’m with Neil, who was wondering why I’ve got a bad taste in my mouth when it’s got nothing to do with food.

Neil
We use the expression it ‘leaves a bad taste in your mouth’ when we have a negative experience and feel bad or angry about it afterwards. So, is it time for lunch?

Feifei
Yes, Neil! I really want you to come and try that new tofu place. The food is just delicious and the service is excellent!

Neil
So, will it leave a good taste in my mouth?

Feifei
It sure will! Bye.

Neil
Bye.