Thread: What does "up to not good" mean?

This is painted on a child's T-shirt.

"Up to no good"

Behaving badly or in a mischievous way, or doing something that is prohibited in some way.

Originally Posted by scotcher

"Up to no good"

Behaving badly or in a mischievous way, or doing something that is prohibited in some way.

Я примерно так и понял, что это маечка для шалунов. "До добра не доведу"

От меня ничего хорошего не жди (если про надпись на майке)

I've always thought it was the construction similar to "I'm up to do it", as in "I'll gladly do it", hence "up to no good"="I gladly do bad things"?
just a thought.

Originally Posted by kamka

I've always thought it was the construction similar to "I'm up to do it", as in "I'll gladly do it", hence "up to no good"="I gladly do bad things"?
just a thought.

You could think that, but you would be wrong

scotcher is correct. This phrase is sometimes used as a joke or in a light way. It can also be used about someone who is planning something bad or mischievous.

Normal use: you see two guys discussing something quietly and looking around to see if anyone is listening. You say, "I bet those two are up to no good."

Originally Posted by paulb

Normal use: you see two guys discussing something quietly and looking around to see if anyone is listening. You say, "I bet those two are up to no good."

Эти двое определённо что-то замышляют.

Originally Posted by scotcher

"Up to no good"

Behaving badly or in a mischievous way, or doing something that is prohibited in some way.

I was under the impression that "up to no good" means that he seems to be planning something bad or evil.

Originally Posted by Yazeed

Originally Posted by scotcher

"Up to no good"

Behaving badly or in a mischievous way, or doing something that is prohibited in some way.

I was under the impression that "up to no good" means that he seems to be planning something bad or evil.

It can be either planning or doing.