Herald of bad news meaning

A "herald of bad news" is a phrase used to describe someone or something that serves as a warning or precursor to unpleasant or unfavorable news. This person or thing is often seen as a harbinger of doom, signaling that something negative is about to happen.

In literature and poetry, a herald of bad news is often depicted as a messenger or a figure who brings tidings of doom or disaster. For example, in Shakespeare's play "Macbeth," the witches are often referred to as "heralds of bad news" because they predict the downfall of Macbeth and his kingdom.

In modern usage, the phrase is often used more broadly to describe anyone or anything that serves as a warning or precursor to bad news. For example, a doctor might be seen as a herald of bad news if they deliver a diagnosis of a serious illness, or a stock market downturn might be seen as a herald of bad news for investors.

Some common synonyms for "herald of bad news" include:

• Omen
• Warning sign
• Harbinger of doom
• Messenger of bad tidings
• Foreboding
• Portent

Examples of how the phrase might be used in a sentence:

• The doctor's diagnosis was a herald of bad news for the patient's family.
• The company's financial struggles were a herald of bad news for its employees.
• The strange noise in the attic was a herald of bad news for the homeowner, who soon discovered a leaky roof.