mean streak
A defect in character characterized by persistent nastiness, viciousness, or malevolence.
"He's worse than mischievous," Mr. Lane assured her sourly. "There's a mean streak in that family."
ADJ
dark
A dark streak of paint ran across the white wall from the careless brush.
faint, pale
PREP
~ of
A streak of paint ran down the wall after the child knocked over the bucket.
PHRASES
a streak of lightning
During the storm, a streak of lightning suddenly lit up the dark clouds above us.
a streak of red, white, etc.
The sunset painted the sky with streaks of orange and pink.
ADJ
strong | hidden | adventurous, competitive, independent, mean, puritanical, rebellious, ruthless, selfish, stubborn, vicious
VERB + STREAK
have
Sarah has a stubborn streak that sometimes makes it difficult for her to admit when she's wrong.
reveal, show
His behaviour during the argument showed an aggressive streak that surprised everyone.
PREP
with a ~
My grandmother has always had a creative streak and loves painting in her spare time.
~ of
My grandmother had a streak of stubbornness that made her refuse to ask for help.
ADJ
winning | losing
VERB + STREAK
be on
The restaurant has been on a successful streak after winning three awards this year.