Mean streak

Idioms | C1

Listening exercises with “Mean streak”

If someone has a mean streak or a nasty streak, it means that there is an unpleasant or unfriendly aspect to their personality.

In general they could be quite friendly, but at times they have a tendency to be unkind or horrible. e.g. He was a lovely child, but unfortunately he has developed a bit of a mean streak since becoming a teenager.

We can adapt this phrase for other aspects of someone’s personality – usually negative ones (e.g. a competitive streak, a stubborn streak). e.g. I try and avoid playing board games. I’ve got a real competitive streak and I can become quite unpleasant.

Have a go at these micro-dictation exercises to hear this expression being used in context – how much can you understand?

Accent: Northern England