Up to no good Meaning in English

expression

US

UHP-too-noh-GOOD

UK

UP-too-noh-GOOD

Definition

If someone is 'up to no good', they are behaving suspiciously or are likely planning something dishonest or mischievous.

Usage & Nuances

Informal; often used to describe children, teens, or anyone acting suspiciously. Suggests mischief, minor trouble, or bad intentions, but rarely serious crime. Common in 'looks like he's up to no good'. Not used for major crimes.

• Spanish: tramando algo malo - haciendo travesuras
• Portuguese (BR): aprontando alguma - tramando algo ruim
• Portuguese (PT): a tramar alguma - a fazer travessuras
• Chinese (Simplified): 搞鬼 - 干坏事
• Chinese (Traditional): 搞鬼 - 搞壞事
• Hindi: शरारत कर रहा है - कुछ गलत कर रहा है
• Arabic: يخطط لشيء سيء - يقوم بشيء مشبوه
• Bengali: দুর্নীতির কাজ করা - দুষ্টুমি করা
• Russian: недоброе задумал - что-то пакостит
• Japanese: よからぬことをしている - いたずらをしている
• Vietnamese: đang làm chuyện xấu - bày trò nghịch ngợm
• Korean: 수상한 짓을 하다 - 나쁜 짓을 꾸미다
• Turkish: bir işler peşinde - kötü bir şeyler yapıyor
• Urdu: کچھ گڑبڑ کرنا - شرارت کرنا
• Indonesian: sedang berbuat nakal - punya niat buruk

Example Sentences

Those boys look like they're up to no good.

basic

If you're up to no good, you should stop now.

basic

The cat is always up to no good in the kitchen.

basic

Why are you sneaking around? Are you up to no good?

natural

Don’t trust him; he’s always up to no good.

natural

I caught the kids whispering; they were definitely up to no good.

natural