Reputation often precedes us, subtly shaping the perceptions others hold. This vital social asset, whether for individuals or organizations, can open doors or close them. In this blog post, we explore 20 idioms that encapsulate various aspects of reputation, offering a brief glance into the nuanced ways it influences our interactions and opportunities.
1. As clean as a whistle
Meaning: Completely reputable
Example: His records are as clean as a whistle.
2. Have a good name
Meaning: Well-respected
Example: She has a good name in the industry.
3. Drag one’s name through the mud
Meaning: Harm someone’s reputation
Example: The scandal dragged his name through the mud.
4. Tarnished reputation
Meaning: Damaged respectability
Example: The lawsuit left a tarnished reputation.
5. Not a hair out of place
Meaning: Perfect reputation
Example: He keeps not a hair out of place.
6. On the up and up
Meaning: Honest and respectable
Example: Their business is on the up and up.
7. Smell like a rose
Meaning: Maintain a good reputation
Example: She came out smelling like a rose.
8. Under a cloud
Meaning: Under suspicion
Example: He’s been under a cloud recently.
9. Lose face
Meaning: Lose respect
Example: He lost face after the error.
10. Face-saving
Meaning: Maintaining respect
Example: It was a face-saving compromise.
11. Good standing
Meaning: Held in high regard
Example: He’s in good standing with peers.
12. Have the upper hand
Meaning: Hold a position of advantage
Example: Her reputation gave her the upper hand.
13. In bad odor
Meaning: Held in disdain
Example: He’s in bad odor with colleagues.
14. Like gold dust
Meaning: Extremely valuable
Example: A good reputation is like gold dust.
15. Mud sticks
Meaning: Bad reputation lingers
Example: Unfortunately, mud sticks.
16. On thin ice
Meaning: In a risky position
Example: His antics put him on thin ice.
17. Put one’s best foot forward
Meaning: Make a good impression
Example: She always puts her best foot forward.
18. Steal the show
Meaning: Gain most praise
Example: He stole the show at the conference.
19. Talk of the town
Meaning: Widely discussed
Example: Their project is the talk of the town.
20. Without blemish
Meaning: Impeccable reputation
Example: Her record is without blemish.
