To appear repeatedly and unwelcomely, often causing problems or negativity.
Examples:
- She showed up — she's like a bad penny; every time we see her she brings bad vibes.
- The same unresolved issue kept turning up like a bad penny at every quarterly review.
Origin: From the historical dislike for counterfeit or debased coins, which repeatedly circulated back to people.
Synonyms: keep coming back, turn up uninvited