drag through the mud
Meaning(s)
1. to speak negatively about something or someone; stain a reputation
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
don't drag my name through the mud
Analysis
If you get mud on something it becomes dirty. Similarly, if you 'drag someone's name through the mud' it means you dirty their reputation. If someone is 'dragged through the mud' the suggestion is that their name, reputation or public face is disgraced or called into question, usually unfairly. This phrase is often used in reference to public figures such as celebrities or politicians. You can hear this used in social and professional contexts.
Social Examples (Advance)
- You're dragging my name through the mud by telling everyone embarrassing stories about me.
- His so-called friends dragged his reputation through the mud to deflect attention from themselves.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- The company is being dragged through the mud because of these rumours of illegal practices.
- If we are criticising someone's work we should bring them into the room. We can't drag someone's name through the mud without giving them a chance to defend themselves.